The Importance of Non-reactivity to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Case for Mindfulness

Abstract

Mindfulness has shown promise in the treatment of several disorders, but the empirical literature regarding mindfulness and post-traumatic stress symptoms is limited. The current study examined the relationship among self-reported levels of mindfulness facets and post-traumatic stress symptoms after controlling for negative affect, age, number of traumas, and years since the trauma occurred. Participants were 157 students at an urban commuter university who completed measures online and endorsed experiencing fear, horror, or helplessness during a potentially traumatic event. Participants were predominantly female (77 %) and ranged in age from 18 to 64 years (mean = 26, SD = 4.73). Results indicated that the ability to describe emotional experiences was uniquely associated with lower hyperarousal scores, while non-reactivity to inner experiences was uniquely associated with lower overall post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as lower re-experiencing and hyperarousal scores. Results are discussed in terms of the potential for mindfulness as an intervention for post-traumatic stress symptoms.