(PS11-C66) Does Elapsed Time Since Trauma Exposure Moderate the Association Between Negative Post Trauma Cognitions and Anger?

Dysregulated anger is a common issue among survivors of trauma, although it has not received extensive research attention in non-veteran populations. Anger can be experienced and expressed both externally and internally. Additionally, efforts to control anger expression may be directed both outwardly and inwards. Previous research suggests that negative post trauma cognitions may contribute to experiences of anger; this trans-diagnostic factor deserves greater focus in the study of post-trauma anger, particularly in understanding both anger expression and anger control. Additionally, related research with veterans suggests that the association between post trauma symptoms and anger strengthens as time elapses after trauma. The aim of the current study was to examine elapsed time as a moderator of the association of negative post trauma cognitions with anger expression outward (AXO), anger expression inward (AXI), anger control outward (ACO), and anger control inward (ACI) in survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).  

The sample included 109 women who experienced IPV and sought a mental health assessment at a university-based research center. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 67 years (M = 36.93, SD = 13.05) and were racially diverse (29.4% African American, 57.8% Caucasian, 7.3% Hispanic, and 5.2% other ethnicities). Self-report measures were used to assess negative post trauma cognitions (Post Trauma Cognition Inventory) and anger expression and control (State and Trait Anger Expression Inventory–2). Elapsed time since trauma was assessed through a semi-structured interview (Domestic Violence Interview).

Four moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS to assess whether elapsed time since trauma exposure moderated the association of negative post trauma cognitions with anger expression and control. For AXO, the overall model was significant, F (3, 105) = 4.77, p = .004, R ² = .12.  There was a significant conditional effect of negative post trauma cognitions on AXO (β = .03, p < .001) but moderation was not noted. For ACO, the overall model was significant, F (3, 104) = 3.70, p = .014, R ² = .10.  There was a conditional effect of negative post trauma cognitions on ACO (β = -.03, p = .003) but moderation was not noted. For AXI, the overall model was significant F (3, 105) = 12.57, p < .001, R ² = .26.  There was a significant conditional effect of negative post trauma cognitions on AXI (β = .05, p < .001) but moderation was not noted. For ACI, the overall model was significant, F (3, 104) = 4.99, p = .003, R ² = .13.  There was a conditional effect of negative post trauma cognitions on AXI (β = -.04, p = .001) but moderation was not noted. The conditional effect of time was not significant in any model.  

These findings suggest that negative post trauma cognitions contribute towards higher outward and inward expressed anger, and lower outward and inward control of anger. Time did not moderate the association between negative post trauma cognitions and any dimension of anger. Results will be discussed in light of understanding dimensions of anger both during and following trauma. Implications for clinical interventions will be discussed.