Random intercept cross-lagged relations among trauma coping self-Efficacy, trauma coping, and PTSD symptoms among rural hurricane survivors.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

The trajectories of recovery and non-recovery following a disaster are well-documented, but the mechanisms of post-disaster adaptation remain poorly understood. Rooted in social cognitive theory and the transactional model of stress and coping, this study longitudinally investigated the reciprocal relations among coping self-efficacy (CSE), coping behaviors (approach and avoidant), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among highly exposed hurricane survivors.

DESIGN

261 Hurricane Florence survivors completed measures of hurricane-related CSE, coping behaviors, and hurricane-related PTSS across three timepoints, beginning 5-8.5 months after Hurricane Florence.

METHOD: Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models investigated the relations among study variables.

RESULTS

Reciprocal, cross-lagged relations were identified between higher CSE and approach coping from T2 to T3. The lagged relations between approach coping at T1 and T2 were significant, as well as between avoidant coping at T2 and T3. Significant cross-sectional relations were also present for CSE, coping behaviors, and PTSS at T3.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide partial support for the positive feedback loop involving CSE and approach coping, but not for the negative feedback loop involving avoidant coping. CSE may be an important mechanism in longer-term disaster recovery, in part by increasing use of approach coping.