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Examining the Clinical Utility of Predictors in Somatic Symptomatology
Christopher S. Immel B.A., James M. Hadder B.S., Michael M. Knepp M.S.,
Russell T. Jones Ph.D., Thomas H. Ollendick Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
METHODOLOGY (CONT.)
RESULTS (CONT.)
The effects of traumatic events have been well
documented and include both physical and
psychological repercussions following the event
for the majority of individuals involved (Schnurr
& Green, 2004b). The effect of traumatic events
on somatic symptoms is evident. The most
common somatic symptom is headaches, but
other symptomatology include (but are not
limited to) stomach discomfort, fatigue, and
disturbed sleep (Engel, 2004). Research has
demonstrated that the hyperarousal sub-cluster of
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been
shown to mediate the link between emotional
distress and somatic health (Kimerling, Clum,
Wolfe, 2000). Peritraumatic emotionality has
been shown to significantly influence levels of
emotional distress following the traumatic event
(Brewin, Andrews, & Rose, 2000). Finally,
resource loss has been shown to impact levels of
distress post-trauma (Hobfell, 1998). The
purpose of this poster is to examine the
predictive validity of hyperarousal, peritraumatic
emotionality, and resource loss on somatic health
outcomes following a residential fire.
The study utilized four instruments. The first was
the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993).
Second, the Anxiety Disorders Interview
Schedule-IV: Lifetime Version (Di Nardo, Brown,
& Barlow, 1994). Third, a Fire Questionnaire
developed specifically for the study (Jones &
Ollendick, 1996). Finally, the Freedy’s Resource
Loss Scale (Freedy, Shaw, Jarrell, & Masters,
1992).
The second linear regression showed
peritraumatic emotionality to significantly predict
somatic health (t (86)=2.80, p<.01). Finally, the
third linear regression indicated that total resource
loss experienced during the event can
significantly predict somatic symptomatology
following a residential fire (t (113)=2.99, p<.01).
DISCUSSION
RESULTS
Independent predictor models utilizing reported
somatic health across variables was utilized.
Results of the first linear regression indicated
meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for the
hyperarousal sub-cluster of PTSD at one month
post-trauma predicted increased reported somatic
complaints ( t (156) =3.37,p<.01).
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METHODOLOGY
A preexisting longitudinal dataset of 167 adults
(ages 18+) who have survived a residential fire was
utilized. Logistical constraints limited the number
of participants completing each instrument, with
assessments occurring at one month, six months, and
twelve months post-trauma.
Percent Variance Explained in
Reported Somatic Health
Complaints
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Results of the study indicate that hyperarousal,
peritraumatic emotionality, and resource loss are
all significant indicators of somatic
symptomatology. It is speculated that
peritraumatic emotionality and resource loss are
significant contributors to emotional distress post
trauma, which is considered a major causal factor
in somatization disorder (Brown, 2004). Further,
increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous
system may be causing organic changes to the
body, in turn creating health complaints.
Practicing clinicians should be cognizant of the
impact of these symptoms and/or outcomes of
trauma and consider their effects in therapeutic
treatment plans. Future studies plan to examine
possible mediational and moderational roles of
these variables on health outcomes as well as
other likely contributing factors to emotional
distress post-trauma such as life disruption
variables and vicarious traumatization.
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Hyperarousal
Virginia Tech Department of Psychology, Stress and Coping Lab
Peritraumatic
Emotionality
Resource Loss
-Contact Information: Christopher Immel via
[email protected].
Association for Psychological Science
th
19 Annual
Convention