Avoidance During Exposure and Changes in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Kiers, V.E.J. (2024) Avoidance During Exposure and Changes in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

The current research investigated the possible relationship between avoidance during an exposure task and PTSD while utilizing a trauma film paradigm. Firstly, the difference between PTSD symptoms, conceptualized as PTSD symptom severity, vividness of intrusions, and distress, before and after an exposure task is investigated. Secondly, the relationship between PTSD symptoms before the exposure and avoidance during the exposure task were examined. Lastly, the possible negative association between changes in PTSD symptom severity and avoidance during the exposure task was researched. To investigate the first hypothesis, several paired t-tests were conducted. Furthermore, to investigate the final two hypotheses, several regression analyses were performed. The variables included, namely, PCL-5, distress, vividness, were measured before the exposure task and 24 hours after the exposure task. An additional variable, avoidance, measured by the RSDI, was measured right after the exposure task. Results revealed a significant difference between pre-exposure PTSD symptoms and symptoms measured post-exposure, suggesting the effectiveness of the exposure task. Furthermore, a positive relationship between pre- exposure PTSD symptoms and avoidance during exposure was observed. However, the effect of avoidance during the exposure on changes in PTSD symptom severity was found to be insignificant, suggesting that varying levels of avoidance during exposure did not significantly influenced changes in symptom severity. The present study contributes to the literature investigating the possible working mechanisms of an exposure intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms. Future research could investigate these mechanisms to a greater extent by adding additional factors to the model, such as perceived control. Additionally, the generalizability can be increased by increasing the sample size and choosing a more heterogeneous sample with regard to age, level of education, and ethnicity. Keywords: Avoidance, Exposure, PTSD, Distress, Vividness

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Karsten, J. and Haart, O.F. de
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2024 11:48
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2024 11:48
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3688

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