The role of negative cognitions in co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and depression: Examination of interpersonal and noninterpersonal trauma survivors.

Abstract

To examine negative cognitions underlying both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression following trauma. A mixed-gender motor vehicle accident (N = 297, Mage = 43.49 years) sample and a female intimate partner violence (N = 242, Mage = 36.95 years) sample was cross-sectionally studied at research clinics of two universities. When diagnostic groups (PTSD+/-, depression+/-) were studied, no significant interactions were noted for any of the three forms of negative cognitions (negative thoughts about the self, negative thoughts about the world, and self-blame) in either sample. When continuous ratings of PTSD and depression were studied, the results showed that negative thoughts about the self were linked to both PTSD and depression. Findings suggest that it may be beneficial to target negative thoughts about the self when treating PTSD and depression together.