Overcoming Stress Disorders

Posttraumatic social interactions are among the most robust predictors of posttraumatic

stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma, but social interactions have been widely

defined and quantified in the literature. This study explored whether negative social

interactions were more strongly associated with PTSD symptoms than positive

interactions among adults recently exposed to a traumatic event, as well as factors that

moderate these associations. Participants (N = 149) were assessed by the clinicianadministered

PTSD scale and completed self-reported measures of social interactions and

disclosure style. Only negative social interactions, specifically general societal

disapproval and disapproval from family and friends, emerged as significant predictors

of PTSD severity in a multiple regression analysis. Sex, trauma type, and dysfunctional

disclosure style did not moderate relationships between negative social interactions and

PTSD severity. Findings imply that negative social interactions may be more integral to

trauma recovery than positive ones. Clinical implications are discussed.