Cognitive-Behavioral Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Following Two "Armed and Dangerous Person" Campus Lockdowns.

Consistent with the cognitive-behavioral model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research has found associations among posttraumatic cognitions, avoidance coping, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Less is known, however, about the occurrence of these relationships in the context of "armed and dangerous person" university lockdowns that affect campus communities at large. This cross-sectional study evaluated predictors of PTSS following two sequential lockdowns. In the aftermath of these lockdowns, campus community members (N = 287) completed self-report measures assessing posttraumatic cognitions, avoidance coping, and PTSS. Results indicated that posttraumatic cognitions involving negative views of oneself or the world (but not self-blame), avoidance coping, and physical proximity were positively associated with PTSS. These relationships remained robust after controlling for general distress and retrospectively reported peritraumatic fear. Findings are interpreted and discussed in light of conceptual models of PTSD and provide paths for early screening of those experiencing community-wide stressors, such as university lockdowns.