The Relationship Between a Hierarchical Model of Etiological Vulnerabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

This thesis sought to investigate how a novel hierarchical model comprising pre-existing psychological factors could potentially impact the development and maintenance of the adverse traumatic response. The application of this model uncovered that negative affect and anxiety sensitivity appear to drive the presentation of both acute period and long-term traumatic symptomology. When this hierarchical model is then applied longitudinally, these affective and cognitive styles also play a strong role in the development of traumatic symptoms. These findings further the existing theoretical literature and lay the foundation for a range of potential clinical implications.