The underlying dimensions of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their relationships with mental and somatoform dissociation, depression and anxiety among jail inmates

ABSTRACT

In this study we examined the DSM-5 factor structure of scores on the Turkish version of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM–5 (PCL-5) and predictors of PTSD caseness in a sample of male prisoners. The 7-factor hybrid model was the optimal model relative to the alternatives. Consistent with the PTSD literature in prisoners, the majority of respondents had past traumatic experiences (96.7%), a probable PTSD diagnosis (68.4%), pathological dissociation (46.8%) and somatoform dissociation (52.3%). Probable PTSD caseness was significantly associated with dissociation and depression, as well as higher levels of education and being married. Re-experiencing was strongly associated with mental and somatic dissociation; whereas dysphoric arousal was related to depression and anxiety.

KEYWORDS:

• Prisoners
• somatoform dissociation
• dissociative symptoms
• depression
• anxiety

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author. The current study was not financially supported by any institution or organization.

Notes on contributors

Selahiddin Öğülmüş, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Guidance and Psychological Counselling, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey.

Murat Boysan, Ph.D., is an associate professor in Psychology at Ankara University, Turkey.

Özlem Fidan-Acar, M.A., is a psychologist at Van M Type Correctional Institution, Turkish Republic Ministry of Justice, Van, Turkey.

Hanife Koca, is a psychologist at Çanakkale Correctional Institution, Turkish Republic Ministry of Justice, Çanakkale, Turkey.