51 - Sexual Trauma as a Moderating Factor in the Association Between PTSD and Trauma-Related Drinking to Cope
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Strong associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and drinking to cope are well established. Previous research also suggests an association between sexual trauma and problematic drinking behaviors, but not drinking to cope with PTSS (aka “trauma-related drinking to cope”, or TRD) specifically. The present study examines the possible moderating role of adolescent and adult sexual assault and harassment (AASA) in the association between PTSS and TRD within a diverse college sample (N=726, Mage=22.87, SD=7.20; 48.8% White, 35.8% Black; 77.0% Women). Pearson and point-biserial correlation analyses showed that TRD was significantly correlated with PTSS, r(720) = .38, p < .001, but not associated with AASA, gender, or race, r(719) = .053, p = .156; r(693) = .035, p = .361; r(611) = .068, p = .092, respectively. Moderation analyses showed that AASA significantly moderated the association between PTSS and TRD (𝛽 = -.088, t = -2.34, p = .020), with greater number of AASA experiences weakening the association. Contrary to our hypothesis, this finding suggests that those with greater AASA tend to use TRD less in association with PTSS compared to those with less AASA. One explanation for this finding may be that the high prevalence of alcohol surrounding AASA experiences may lead to those with greater AASA to be disinclined to use alcohol. Alternatively, those who experience AASA may be drinking to cope, but not with PTSS specifically. Additional research should explore the role of other types of traumatic events in the association between PTSS and TRD.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Hawn, Sage
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Psychology
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Clinical Psychology
51 - Sexual Trauma as a Moderating Factor in the Association Between PTSD and Trauma-Related Drinking to Cope
Strong associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and drinking to cope are well established. Previous research also suggests an association between sexual trauma and problematic drinking behaviors, but not drinking to cope with PTSS (aka “trauma-related drinking to cope”, or TRD) specifically. The present study examines the possible moderating role of adolescent and adult sexual assault and harassment (AASA) in the association between PTSS and TRD within a diverse college sample (N=726, Mage=22.87, SD=7.20; 48.8% White, 35.8% Black; 77.0% Women). Pearson and point-biserial correlation analyses showed that TRD was significantly correlated with PTSS, r(720) = .38, p < .001, but not associated with AASA, gender, or race, r(719) = .053, p = .156; r(693) = .035, p = .361; r(611) = .068, p = .092, respectively. Moderation analyses showed that AASA significantly moderated the association between PTSS and TRD (𝛽 = -.088, t = -2.34, p = .020), with greater number of AASA experiences weakening the association. Contrary to our hypothesis, this finding suggests that those with greater AASA tend to use TRD less in association with PTSS compared to those with less AASA. One explanation for this finding may be that the high prevalence of alcohol surrounding AASA experiences may lead to those with greater AASA to be disinclined to use alcohol. Alternatively, those who experience AASA may be drinking to cope, but not with PTSS specifically. Additional research should explore the role of other types of traumatic events in the association between PTSS and TRD.