(PS4-B48) Examining the Role of covid-19-related Distress and Impairment on PTSD Symptomology Beyond Anxiety Sensitivity and Emotion Dysregulation

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) and emotion dysregulation (EdysR) are well-established factors related to the etiology and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Boffa et al, 2016; McLean & Foa, 2017). Further, the COVID-19 pandemic may be experienced as a traumatic event (Zvolensky et al., 2020), and COVID-19-related stress may play a role in exacerbating traumatic stress symptoms (Siegel et al., 2021). This is particularly relevant among university students who are at a higher risk for experiencing negative psychological outcomes as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak (Cao et al., 2020). While relevant, few studies have examined the role of AS and EdysR in tandem on PTSD symptoms, and even less is known regarding the role of COVID-19-related distress and impairment in PTSD symptoms among university students. To address limitations, the current study sought to examine the role of COVID-19-related psychological distress and impairment on PTSD beyond the role of AS and EdysR among university students.
As part of a larger study, 253 university students (M_age = 19.1 years; 76.7% female) completed self-report measures designed to assess AS (Anxiety Sensitivity Index–3; Taylor et al., 2007), dimensions of EdysR (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; Gratz & Roemer, 2004), COVID-19-related psychological distress and impairment (COVID-19 Adult Symptom & Psychological Experience Questionnaire; Ladouceur, 2020), and PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist-5; Weathers et al., 2013).

A hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the role of COVID-19-related distress and impairment on PTSD symptoms beyond AS and EdysR. AS (ß =.11, p = .108) and EdysR (ß =.47, p < .001) were entered into the first step of the model and significantly predicted PTSD symptoms (R² =.30, F(2,247) = 53.59, p < .001). COVID-19-related psychological distress and impairment (ß =.19, p = .003) was entered into the second step of the model and significantly predicted PTSD symptoms beyond AS and EdysR (ΔR² = .02, ΔF(1, 246) = 8.78, p = .003). The overall model significantly predicted PTSD symptoms (total R² = .33, F(3, 246) = 39.78, p < .001).

Findings demonstrate that EdysR plays a significant role in PTSD symptoms among university students. Findings further suggest that COVID-19-related psychological distress and impairment, may be particularly relevant in PTSD symptoms. Findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce COVID-related stress and increase effective emotion regulation skills may be most beneficial in reducing PTSD symptoms. Limitations of current findings and future research directions will be discussed.