@article{ref1,
title="Reckless self-destructive behavior and PTSD in veterans: the mediating role of new adverse events",
journal="Journal of Traumatic Stress",
year="2017",
author="Lusk, Joanna D. and Sadeh, Naomi and Wolf, Erika J. and Miller, Mark W.",
volume="30",
number="3",
pages="270-278",
abstract="The addition of self-destructive and reckless behavior as a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in DSM-5 has stimulated renewed interest in understanding relationships between these behaviors and trauma-related psychopathology. This study examined the relationship between reckless and self-destructive behaviors (RSDB), intervening exposure to new adverse events, and later PTSD severity in a sample of trauma-exposed veterans. At baseline, participants were assessed for RSDB (past 5 years) and current PTSD severity (N = 222). PTSD severity was then reassessed approximately 4 years later (N = 148). Overall, RSDB were reported by 74.4% of the sample, with 61.3% engaging in multiple forms of RSDB. The most commonly endorsed behaviors included alcohol/drug abuse (42.8%), driving while intoxicated (29.4%), gambling (24.7%), and aggression (23.1%). There was a positive correlation between RSDB and PTSD severity at both the baseline (r =.16, p =.031) and follow-up assessment (r =.24, p =.005). Path models indicated that exposure to new adverse events fully mediated the effect of Time 1 RSDB on PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (indirect association: β =.05, p =.046). <br><br>RESULTS suggest that RSDB are common among trauma-exposed veterans and may perpetuate PTSD symptoms by increasing exposure to new adverse events.<br><br>Copyright © 2017 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0894-9867",
doi="10.1002/jts.22182",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jts.22182"
}