Cognitive Processing of Trauma and Attitudes Toward Disclosure in the First Six Months After Military Deployment

Joseph M. Currier, Ross Lisman, J. Irene Harris, Rhondie Tait, Christopher R. Erbes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the role of cognitive processing and attitudes toward trauma disclosure among newly returned veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Method: In total, 110 veterans completed the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale, Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire, and assessments of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Results: Both maladaptive and adaptive processing were the strongest predictors of PTSS and depression, ßs = .21 to .38. However, urge to discuss trauma was the main predictor of PTG, ß = .53. Correlational findings suggested that veterans' willingness to discuss their traumas and reactivity to doing so were related with their processing of these experiences, rs = .23 to .40. Conclusion: This study provides further support for the critical intersection between cognitive processing and disclosure, while also suggesting the need for more research on the intra- and inter-personal dimensions of these constructs in negative and constructive outcomes after trauma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)209-221
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of clinical psychology
Volume69
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Cognitive processing
  • Disclosure
  • Military combat
  • PTSD
  • Posttraumatic growth

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