Thesis
PTSD and health among VA general medical care patients: An investigation into the mediating effects of coping
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2004
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/255
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between PTSD, physical health, and coping among 134 VA general medical and women’s health clinic patients. Coping behaviors were investigated as potential mediators of the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and health. The research literature has consistently revealed a robust relationship between PTSD and self-reported physical health perceptions and symptoms. However, there have been fewer studies investigating the relationship between PTSD and physician-diagnosed medical conditions and the mechanisms relating PTSD to health are still unknown. In this study, results revealed that PTSD symptom severity predicted self-reported health, which replicates previous findings. Additionally, PTSD severity predicted physician-diagnosed medical conditions, which extends previous findings relating PTSD and adverse health. Finally, coping behaviors partially mediated that relationship between PTSD and self-reported health. If replicated, this finding may impact the treatment of PTSD; it may be beneficial for clinicians to facilitate adaptive coping behaviors before adverse health consequences arise.
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Details
- Title
- PTSD and health among VA general medical care patients
- Creators
- Brandy Renee Henson
- Contributors
- Dennis G. Dyck (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Psychology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900525284501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis