Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been frequently reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there is evidence for age differences in PTSD symptoms, many studies assume that PTSD is a latent entity and overlook such differences. To address this gap, the aim of this study was to use network analysis to examine and compare PTSD symptom networks across different ages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,153 young adults and 683 adolescents were selected to complete self-report questionnaires. Two networks shared core symptoms (e.g., exaggerated startle response and irritability) in the arousal cluster. A network comparison test indicated that the young adult network was significantly stronger than the adolescent network. Except for exaggerated startle response and lack of positive emotion, symptoms in the young adult network exhibited higher centrality than in the adolescent network. An age difference in PTSD at the symptom level and provide practical evidence that could inform mental health interventions after the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
