Interpersonal violence, drug use, and adult attachment

Abstract

Although numerous studies have investigated the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), little research has examined the effects of violent and non-violent trauma on individuals with sub-clinical levels of PTSD. Texas A&M undergraduates (N = 396) completed a PTSD self-report scale, the Adult Attachment Questionnaire, the World Assumptions Scale, the Lifetime Involvement in Violent Events Survey, and a substance abuse questionnaire. Subjects were also asked if they had experienced a trauma, and if not, what was the worst thing that had ever happened to them. Sexual trauma was the best predictor of PTSD symptoms, insecure attachment in romantic relationships and friendships, marijuana use, and frequency and amount of alcohol use. Gender effects indicated that women reported higher levels of PTSD symptoms, avoidance, and ambivalence, whereas men reported high levels of marijuana and alcohol use