Uncovering the Temporal Dynamics of Negative Thought in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: Cognitive theory posits that negative posttraumatic thoughts play a critical role in the development, maintenance, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Though negative thought in PTSD is often measured using static, between-subjects, and cross-sectional assessments via retrospective self-report, recent approaches have investigated negative thought as a dynamic process that unfolds within people over time. Here, we examine the temporal dynamics of negative thought in daily life (i.e., variability, inertia, and reactivity) and whether these dynamics are associated with PTSD severity in trauma-exposed adults. Methods: Participants with (n = 39) and without (n = 41) a current PTSD diagnosis completed three days of ecological momentary assessment (n = 2158 observations; Mobs = 27) assessing four subdomains of negative thoughts. Results: Participants reported variability in negative thought over time, and that variability was explained by both situational and dispositional factors. Higher PTSD severity was associated with higher mean levels, more variability, and more reactivity in negative thought over time, but not negative thought inertia. Conclusions: Findings suggest that negative thought is a dynamic process that exhibits short-term fluctuations and that the temporal dynamics of negative thought help characterize the cognitive experience of PTSD. Future work should incorporate ambulatory assessment and interventions to better understand and intervene on negative thought in PTSD.