The Role of Experiential Avoidance and Emotion Regulation in <i>DSM-5</i> Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology

Abstract

Purpose The present study expanded previous research examining how experiential avoidance and PTSD symptoms of hyperarousal impact negative alterations of cognition and mood according to DSM-5 PTSD criteria. Methods: Mediation analyses examined if experiential avoidance accounted for relationships between emotional suppression and PTSD symptom clusters. Results: Hyperarousal accounted for significantly more variance than experiential avoidance in negative cognitions and mood. Mediations revealed experiential avoidance partially mediated the relationship between emotional suppression and hyperarousal, and negative alterations in cognition and mood. A full mediation of experiential avoidance was found between emotional suppression and intrusions and avoidance. Conclusion: Clinical implications are discussed.