Date of Defense

12-11-2015

Date of Graduation

12-2015

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Amy Naugle

Second Advisor

Meaghan Lewis

Third Advisor

Andrew Hale

Keywords

Experiential avoidance, childhood trauma, problem behaviors, PTSD

Abstract

Experiential avoidance (EA) is the unwillingness to remain in contact with distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, and other private experiences (Hayes et al., 2004; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999). Although the use of EA may lead to immediate reductions in distress, prolonged use can result in problem behaviors such as substance misuse (Hayes, Wilson, Gifford, Follette, & Strosahl, 1996). Although a strong temporal relationship has yet to be established, findings suggest a possibility that EA could be a mechanism by which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are developed and maintained (Krause, Mendelson, & Lynch, 2003; Rosenthal, Polusny, & Follette, 2006; Dvorak, Arens, Kuvaas, Williams, & Kilwein, 2013). Undergraduate students (N = 107; Mage = 20) were recruited to complete self-report measures regarding EA, childhood trauma history, PTSD symptoms, and problem behaviors using an anonymous online survey. Consistent with predictions and the current literature, EA was significantly associated with childhood trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, sexual promiscuity, and aggression in the expected directions. EA predicated PTSD symptoms and problem behaviors above and beyond childhood trauma history, strengthening the predictive model as hypothesized. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Defense Presentation.pdf (284 kB)
Defense Presentation

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Psychology Commons

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