The influence of emotion regulation on posttraumatic stress symptoms among Japanese people
Fujisato H, Ito M, Berking M, Horikoshi M (2020)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2020
Journal
Book Volume: 277
Pages Range: 577-583
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.056
Abstract
Background: Emotion regulation (ER) is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, most findings are from cross-sectional studies and are hence unable to clarify whether deficits in ER longitudinally contribute to the worsening and maintenance of PTSS. In addition, no studies consider the process of how ER affects PTSS. To further clarify causal pathways, we tested prospective associations between ER and subsequent PTSS by gender in individuals who had experienced traumatic events. Methods: We used data from an online survey of 1,794 Japanese participants aged 18–83 years who had experienced at least one traumatic event. They completed the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire at baseline, as well as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 at baseline and four months later. Results: Multi-group structural equation modeling by gender revealed that participants’ ER predicted their PTSS four months later, even after controlling for symptoms at baseline. The findings indicate that identifying undesired emotions and then dealing with them decreases subsequent PTSS. ER had a greater effect on later PTSS in males than in females. Limitations: The use of an online survey and the exclusive use of self-report instruments might limit the generalizability of our results and the validity of the assessment. Conclusions: Deficits in ER likely contribute to worsening and maintenance of PTSS. The process of identifying and subsequently dealing with emotions may be important for the clinical suppression of PTSS.
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APA:
Fujisato, H., Ito, M., Berking, M., & Horikoshi, M. (2020). The influence of emotion regulation on posttraumatic stress symptoms among Japanese people. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277, 577-583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.056
MLA:
Fujisato, Hiroko, et al. "The influence of emotion regulation on posttraumatic stress symptoms among Japanese people." Journal of Affective Disorders 277 (2020): 577-583.
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