Stressful life events and stressful combat experiences have an indirect effect on symptoms of post-traumatic stress through mindfulness facets in UK Military Veterans

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study tested whether stressful life events and stressful combat experiences are associated with post-traumatic stress symptomology (PTS-S), via facets of mindfulness, in UK military personnel.Methods A sample of 435 UK veterans were recruited to a cross-sectional, online study. Participants completed self-report measures of stressful life and combat experiences, mindfulness facets, and a symptom checklist for post-traumatic stress.Results There were indirect effects of stressful life events and stressful combat experiences on PTS-S, through a four-factor model of mindfulness, in a non-clinical sample of UK military veterans, adjusting for age and reason for leaving service (X2/df = 2.091, CF I = 0.898, TLI = 0.891, SRMR = 0.062, RMSEA = 0.050). There were significant indirect effects of stressful life events (β = 0.089, SE = 0.002, p < 0.001) and stressful combat experiences (β = 0.006, SE = 0.002, p < 0.001) on PTS-S through mindful Non-judging awareness. Indirect effect through other facets of mindfulness were all non-significant.Conclusion The adverse effects of stressful life events and stressful combat experiences on PTS-S were buffered in participants with greater non-judgemental, mindful awareness. This could support tailored interventions for people who have been exposed to traumatic experiences.