Association between social support and temperament and the intensity of PTSD symptoms in a sample of HIV positives

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the association between temperament and social support and the level of quantitatively rated PTSD symptoms in a sample of HIV+ and HIV/AIDS men and women. A total of 310 men and women, including 182 HIV+ and 128 HIV/AIDS, were studied. Social support was assessed with the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Temperament was assessed with the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour - Temperament Inventory (FCBTI). Intensity of PTSD symptoms was assessed with the PTSDF (PTSD Factorial Version inventory). The best predictors of intensity of PTSD symptoms in HIV+ participants were support seeking and sensory sensitivity. Support seeking was positively associated, and sensory sensitivity was negatively associated with intensity of PTSD symptoms.