Stressful life events and stressful combat experiences have an indirect effect on symptoms of post-traumatic stress through mindfulness facets in UK Military Veterans
Leanne Harper, Andrew Jones, Laura Goodwin, Paul Christiansen, Steven M. Gillespie
Research Square October 10, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3408647/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 435 |
| Population | UK military veterans in a non-clinical sample |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Key findings | Stressful life events and stressful combat experiences had significant indirect effects on post-traumatic stress symptoms through the mindfulness facet of non-judging awareness (β = 0.089 and β = 0.006, both p < 0.001); indirect effects through other mindfulness facets were non-significant. The authors conclude that greater non-judgemental mindful awareness buffered the adverse effects of stressful experiences on symptoms. |
Abstract
Abstract Purpose This study tested whether stressful life events and stressful combat experiences are associated with post-traumatic stress symptomology (PTS-S), via facets of mindfulness, in UK military personnel.Methods A sample of 435 UK veterans were recruited to a cross-sectional, online study. Participants completed self-report measures of stressful life and combat experiences, mindfulness facets, and a symptom checklist for post-traumatic stress.Results There were indirect effects of stressful life events and stressful combat experiences on PTS-S, through a four-factor model of mindfulness, in a non-clinical sample of UK military veterans, adjusting for age and reason for leaving service (X2/df = 2.091, CF I = 0.898, TLI = 0.891, SRMR = 0.062, RMSEA = 0.050). There were significant indirect effects of stressful life events (β = 0.089, SE = 0.002, p < 0.001) and stressful combat experiences (β = 0.006, SE = 0.002, p < 0.001) on PTS-S through mindful Non-judging awareness. Indirect effect through other facets of mindfulness were all non-significant.Conclusion The adverse effects of stressful life events and stressful combat experiences on PTS-S were buffered in participants with greater non-judgemental, mindful awareness. This could support tailored interventions for people who have been exposed to traumatic experiences.
Comparable studies
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| Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation. Researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-AT clinical trials and contributors to the... | 2024 | Survey | n = 68 |
Citations in the library
Cites 9
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Perils and promise in defining and measuring mindfulness: Observations from experience. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness as a mediator between trauma exposure and mental health outcomes: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy January 21, 2021
- The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Affective Symptoms: A Meta-analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) Clinical Psychology Review November 11, 2019
and 4 more in the library