2 - (SYM 26) Does Sex and Lifetime Trauma Moderate the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in a Military Sexual Trauma-related PTSD Treatment Seeking Sample?

Mental health effects of military sexual trauma (MST) include symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. PTSD symptoms have been closely associated with difficulties in regulating emotions and experiencing multiple traumas. Differences in ER have been observed between males and females and symptoms of PTSD have been found to be more prevalent in women than men. However, it is less known if sex and trauma history impact the relationship of ER and PTSD symptoms. This may shed light on risk factors of ER and PTSD and should be considered when tailoring interventions targeting such symptoms. Thus, this study investigates sex and lifetime trauma history as moderators of the association between ER and PTSD symptoms among a military population seeking treatment for PTSD subsequent to MST in a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT). 

Analyses were conducted utilizing baseline data from military personnel or veterans from any service era/duty status seeking to participate in an ongoing RCT evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of treatments targeting MST-related PTSD. Participants (n = 25; 60% Female; 44% Black; Age Range = 21-66, Median = 59). Participants completed questionnaires assessing ER problems using the DERS-36, total lifetime trauma history types using the THQ, and PTSD symptoms using PCL-5. Linear regression models were used to determine if ER and PTSD symptoms are associated and if that association is moderated by sex and total lifetime trauma history. Age was included as a covariate. 

A statistically significant association was found between ER and PTSD in the overall sample (B=0.40, p=0.005), 95% CI [0.13, 0.66]. While ER symptoms were statistically significantly associated with PTSD symptoms among females (B=0.43, p=0.008), 95% CI [0.13, 0.73] and not males (p=0.186), there is no evidence that sex moderates the association between ER and PTSD symptoms (p=0.501). Likewise, lifetime trauma exposure (p=0.771) was not a significant moderator in this model. 

Increased difficulties in ER are significantly associated with greater PTSD symptoms. Unlike males, ER and PTSD symptoms were associated in females. Lifetime trauma exposure did not impact the relationship between ER and PTSD symptoms. Future research is needed from a larger sample to better detect how sex and lifetime trauma history influence ER and PTSD symptoms in a sample seeking treatment for MST-related PTSD. Results may elucidate whether sex or multiple traumas impact treatment of ER and PTSD symptoms in military populations.