Posttraumatic Stress and Well-Being Following Relationship Dissolution: Coping, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms From Past Trauma, and Traumatic Growth

Abstract

This study investigated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and psychological comorbidity following dating relationship dissolution. The roles of coping, posttraumatic growth, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity from past trauma were analyzed. Participants (n = 187) were recruited through an online survey. Emotion-focused coping and PTSD severity from past trauma were positively associated with higher levels of PTSS and psychological comorbidity. Posttraumatic growth was negatively associated with psychological comorbidity; problem-focused coping was negatively associated with PTSS. Emotion-focused coping and PTSD severity from past trauma appeared to be risk factors for psychological outcomes, while posttraumatic growth and problem-focused coping were found to be protective factors.

KEYWORDS:

• relationship dissolution
• trauma
• well-being
• coping
• growth

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bhaveena Studley

Bhaveena Studley is a Health Professions Council registered psychologist. She works with the National Health Service in southwestern England in a pediatric psychology service supporting young people with chronic health conditions and their families.

Man Cheung Chung

Man Cheung Chung is a professor of psychology working at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. His areas of expertise include posttraumatic stress disorder.