Overcoming Stress Disorders

Posttraumatic social interactions are among the most robust predictors of posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma, but social interactions have been widely
defined and quantified in the literature. This study explored whether negative social
interactions were more strongly associated with PTSD symptoms than positive
interactions among adults recently exposed to a traumatic event, as well as factors that
moderate these associations. Participants (N = 149) were assessed by the clinicianadministered
PTSD scale and completed self-reported measures of social interactions and
disclosure style. Only negative social interactions, specifically general societal
disapproval and disapproval from family and friends, emerged as significant predictors
of PTSD severity in a multiple regression analysis. Sex, trauma type, and dysfunctional
disclosure style did not moderate relationships between negative social interactions and
PTSD severity. Findings imply that negative social interactions may be more integral to
trauma recovery than positive ones. Clinical implications are discussed.