Thematic resolution, PTSD, and complex PTSD: the relationship between meaning and trauma-related diagnoses.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The role of modifying schemas in trauma-focused psychotherapy has received theoretical and clinical attention. However, the relationship of schematic processing to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis has not been examined empirically. The current study-compared measures of thematic disruption among individuals with PTSD alone, PTSD with concurrent complex PTSD, and no PTSD. Eighty two participants were interviewed to assess PTSD status, complex PTSD status, traumatic life events, and trauma-related thematic processing. Results indicated that variables quantifying thematic disruption and thematic resolution significantly distinguished those individuals with concurrent PTSD plus complex PTSD from the other two groups. Exploratory analyses indicated that PTSD symptom severity and the interpersonal nature of the trauma were related to thematic disruption.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Newman, E; Riggs, DS; Roth, S

Published Date

  • April 1997

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 10 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 197 - 213

PubMed ID

  • 9136088

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-6598

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0894-9867

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1023/a:1024873911644

Language

  • eng