The role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in the development of post-traumatic stress after traumatic injury

Abstract

Objectives. The costs associated with traumatic injury are often exacerbated by the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, it is unclear what decreases the development of post-traumatic symptoms over time. The aim of the present research was to examine the role of psychological symptoms and social group memberships in reducing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms after orthopaedic injuries (OIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs). Design and Methods. A longitudinal prospective study assessed self-reported general health symptoms, social group memberships, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among participants with mild or moderate ABI (n= 62) or upper limb OI (n= 31) at 2 weeks (T1) and 3 months (T2) after injury. Results. Hierarchical regressions revealed that having fewer T1 general health symptoms predicted lower levels of T2 post-traumatic stress symptoms after OI but forming more new group memberships at T1 predicted lower levels of T2 post-traumatic stress symptoms after ABI. Conclusion. A focus on acquiring group memberships may be particularly important in reducing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms after injuries, such as ABI, which result in long-term life changes. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? Post-traumatic stress symptoms are a common outcome after accidental traumatic injury. Persistent post-traumatic stress symptoms can be a risk factor for the development of PTSD. What does this study add? New insight into the contributions of general health symptoms and social group memberships in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms after accidental injury. The development of post-traumatic stress symptoms over time is associated with higher levels of general health symptoms among individuals with orthopaedic injuries; They are associated with lower levels of social group memberships among individuals with acquired brain injuries. ©2012 The British Psychological Society.