The present study evaluated the relative importance of different cognitive
factors (anxiety sensitivity and trauma-related beliefs) in predicting PTSD
symptom severity and treatment-related changes in these symptoms. Eighty-one
victims of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) completed self-report measures of
PTSD symptoms, anxiety sensitivity (AS), MVA-related beliefs and control
variables (e.g., medication use, pain severity). A subsample of patients
(n=28), who received cognitive-behavioural treatment for PTSD, completed
these measures pre- and post-treatment. For the combined sample (n=81),
regression analyses indicated that AS and pain severity were significant
predictors of PTSD symptoms, whereas MVA-related beliefs were not. For
patients completing treatment, regression analyses indicated that
reductions in AS and pain severity were significant predictors of
reductions in PTSD symptoms. MVA-related beliefs did not significantly
predict symptom reduction once AS, pain severity and medication status
was controlled for. These findings suggest that AS is a significant
cognitive risk factor for exacerbating and maintaining PTSD
symptoms. Treatment implications are discussed.