A Network Analysis of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Facets of Mindfulness

Abstract

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health concern impacting a large proportion of the population. There is a growing interest in mindfulness-based treatments for PTSD. However, some individuals with PTSD do not respond to treatment. Identifying factors that may provide a more precise treatment approach has the potential to enhance response. Network analysis is a data-driven methodology that has been used to suggest specific targets for treatment. To date, there has not been a network analysis examining the interrelation between PTSD symptoms and trait mindfulness. The current study is an exploratory analysis of N = 214 adults from a non-clinical sample who endorsed a Criterion A traumatic event and completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Both undirected and directed networks were generated to identify links between PTSD symptom clusters and the facets of mindfulness. Both networks highlighted the connection between the PTSD symptom cluster Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity and the Awareness facet of mindfulness; and the PTSD symptom cluster Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood with the Non-judging facet of mindfulness. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence that greater mindfulness is generally associated with lower PTSD symptoms. Importantly, the findings highlight Non-judgement and Awareness as facets that might warrant further investigation in the context of mindfulness-based treatment efforts for PTSD.