AN EXAMINATION OF HOPELESSNESS, NEGATIVE AFFECT, DEPRESSION, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OFFENDER POPULATIONS WITH PTSD

Author

Christine Elizabeth Breazeale, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

12-1-2015

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Kroner, Daryl

Second Advisor

Cashel, Mary Louise

Abstract

Previous research on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has suggested clinically significant impairment is experienced below threshold for diagnosis. Recent studies have provided evidence that measures of hopelessness, negative affect, depression, and physical activity are independently related with increased PTSD symptoms and impairment. This constellation of variables has yet to be examined in a trauma-exposed population, so it is unknown whether these variables collectively predict significant impairment and PTSD. This study examined if: a) both clinical and subclinical symptoms of PTSD will be associated with significant impairment as measured by indices of hopelessness, negative affect, depression, and physical activity; b) measures of hopelessness, negative affect, depression, and physical activity will significantly contribute to the categorical diagnosis of Clinical PTSD in trauma-exposed populations; and c) Measures of hopelessness, negative affect, depression, and physical activity will significantly contribute to the categorical diagnosis of subclinical PTSD in trauma-exposed populations. Results indicate that the predictor variables are not associated with either of the outcome variables. The full model including hopelessness, negative affect, depression, and physical activity did not significantly contribute to the categorical diagnosis of clinical PTSD and subclinical PTSD in trauma-exposed populations. Limitations and further directions are explored in the discussion.