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Self-Complexity and Perceived Self-Aspect Control in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2017

Kerrie Channer  and
Laura Jobson
Kerrie Channer*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
Laura Jobson
Affiliation:
School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
*
Correspondence to Kerrie Channer, Child Development Centre, City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB. E-mail: k.channer@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder often brings about profound, lasting, structural changes to one's sense of self. Aims: This study investigated self-complexity and self-aspect control in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: Trauma survivors with (n = 103) and without (n = 102) PTSD completed an online questionnaire which involved the completion of a self-complexity task and measures of PTSD. Results: It was found that those with PTSD had significantly greater overall self-complexity than those without PTSD. Furthermore, when considering self-description valence, it was found that those with PTSD had significantly greater negative self-complexity than those without PTSD, but the groups did not differ in terms of positive self-complexity. Second, those with PTSD reported significantly less control over their self-aspects. Third, for those with PTSD, lower levels of self-aspect control were significantly correlated with greater negative self-complexity and lower positive self-complexity. Finally, self-aspect control mediated the relationship between self-complexity and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: The theoretical implications for PTSD models and the clinical implications for the treatment of those with PTSD are explored.

Keywords

post-traumatic stress disorderself-complexityself-aspectscontrolmediation
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 46 , Issue 1 , January 2018 , pp. 50 - 65
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2017 

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