(PS4-A22) Investigating the Role of Stereotype Beliefs and Posttraumatic Cognitions in the Relationship Between Experiences of Discrimination and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Existing work has demonstrated a link between discrimination and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), but the mechanisms by which discrimination may influence PTSS are unclear. Theoretical models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions are implicated in the development and maintenance of PTSD. Research also indicates posttraumatic cognitions present differently in Black than White individuals. Racial differences in posttraumatic cognitions may be partially explained by discrimination, but this relationship has not been studied. In addition to discrimination, stereotype beliefs may be relevant in furthering our understanding of how minorities may be at greater risk for PTSD. Theorists have proposed that long-term effects of stereotype threat may help to explain the relationship between discrimination and negative mental health outcomes, including PTSS, but this has not been studied empirically. Thus, the present study first aimed to examine whether Black individuals reported more negative posttraumatic cognitions than Whites using a sample of 470 trauma-exposed undergraduate students (M_age= 23.90, SD_age = 6.90). The second aim of the study was to investigate if posttraumatic cognitions and/or stereotype beliefs strengthened the association between discrimination and PTSS among a subsample of Black participants (n = 158). Blacks endorsed greater trauma-related negative cognitions about the world compared to Whites, B = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.01-0.55, but Blacks and Whites did not report different levels of trauma-related self-blame B = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.28-0.20. Moderation analyses were conducted to examine potential moderators to explain the relationship between discrimination and PTSS. Neither posttraumatic cognitions (r² change < .001) or stereotype beliefs (r² change = .006) were found to strengthen the association between discrimination and PTSS. The present study contributes to the literature on discrimination and PTSS by examining racial differences in posttraumatic cognitions and exploring potential moderators in this relationship. Higher negative beliefs about the world were observed in Blacks compared to Whites, which may be partially attributed to greater adverse experiences including discrimination. In the treatment of PTSD, negative beliefs about the world may be an especially salient mechanism to target with Black clients. However, neither dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions or stereotype beliefs strengthened the link between discrimination and PTSS. These findings add to our body of knowledge of discrimination and PTSS, yet more work is needed to better understand the nuances of these associations, including in community and high-risk samples as well as in other racial minority populations. These results highlight the need to establish the mechanisms by which discrimination and PTSS are related with the aim of developing prevention and intervention efforts.