The factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2014 Oct;28(5):301-4. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2014.05.008. Epub 2014 Jun 12.

Abstract

The current study investigated the factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of 256 patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in China. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that a five-factor model composed of intrusion, avoidance, emotional numbing, dysphoric arousal, and anxious arousal fits the data significantly better than the tripartite DSM-IV model and the two well-supported four-factor models, and the C3 symptom (inability to recall important aspect of the trauma) loaded weakly on its corresponding factor. Implications and limitations for the results are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / psychology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Young Adult