The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma centrality, interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity among students in Kazakhstan: a Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

Background Trauma can lead to trauma centrality and affect levels of interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity. Whether a coexisting relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma centrality can influence levels of interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity among university students from Kazakhstan is unknown. Aim To investigate the impact of the aforementioned co-existing relationship on interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity among Kazakh university students. Methods 597 students (F = 428, M = 169) completed questionnaires measuring PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity, interpersonal sensitivity, and trauma centrality. Results 28%, 32% and 40% met the criteria for full, partial and no-PTSD, respectively. Latent Class Analysis revealed a three-class solution: Class 1 (the altered-self group) with a low level of PTSD but a high level of trauma centrality, Class 2 (the traumatized-self group) with high levels of PTSD and trauma centrality and Class 3 (the low symptom group) with low levels of PTSD and trauma centrality. There were significant differences in the levels of interpersonal sensitivity and psychiatric co-morbidity across three classes. Conclusion There are individual differences in the display of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and trauma centrality. These differences can influence interaction with others and psychological distress.