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PTSD: Cognitive explanations

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  • PTSD: Cognitive explanations

Cognitive etiologies of PTSD

The cognitive approach argues that cognitive processes play a role in our mental health. PTSD is characterized by often vivid and intrusive memories of a traumatic event. Cognitive psychologists argue that maladaptive schema and patterns of thinking play a role in PTSD. 

Key concepts

Before completing the module below, please read the section of the textbook called Cognitive approach to PTSD. When reading this section, please make note of the following important concepts:

  • Impaired autonomy
  • Locus of control
  • Maladaptive schema model

text

Understanding the role of cognition

Before looking at the presentation below, watch the following video.

Checking for understanding

Below you will see a copy of Ehlers and Clark's (2000) cognitive model of PTSD. Could you explain this model to someone else?

Your teacher may want you to submit your explanation using Flipgrid. You could also submit it as a screen cast or an audio file.

Cognitive explanations of PTSD

Read through the following presentation.  When you have finished, answer the questions below before checking the answers.

Checking for understanding

Which term would a cognitive psychologist use to describe each of the following scenarios?  The information for this section comes from the video, the presentation, and the online textbook.

1. John is attacked while jogging in the early evening in the park.  Before his experience, John was very carefree and was very spontaneous in his behaviour. After his experience, he believes that the world is an unsafe place where anything can happen to you at any time.

With regard to Ehlers and Clark's (2000) model, this is an example of accommodation - that is, his whole worldview has changed as a result of this trauma.

2. This is the theory by Nolen-Hoeksema that focused attention on the symptoms of one's distress is what leads to PTSD.

Response styles theory.  The behaviour of thinking constantly about one's distress or trauma is called rumination.

3.  A negative schema in which one views situations as considerably worse than they actually are.

Catastrophizing

4. This is a key problem with the cognitive theory - we are not sure if a certain way of thinking is the cause of PTSD, or if it is the result of PTSD.

Bidirectional ambiguity

5.  The belief that one has little or no control over one's life.

External locus of control.  With regard to PTSD, Young called this "impaired autonomy."

6. Mark slipped on the ice and broke his ankle. Ever since then, he feels a high level of fear whenever he is walking on the sidewalk in the winter time.

With regard to Ehlers and Clark's (2000) model, this is an example of assimilation.  Mark is more vigilant with regard to this particular threat - but has not generalized to his whole view of the world.

7.  Cognitive behavioural therapy has a high success rate for people suffering from PTSD.  However, this is not necessarily evidence that a way of thinking is the actual cause of the disorder.

This is an example of the Aetiology-Treatment Fallacy.  Just because a treatment leads to improvement does not mean that you can justify a specific cause of the disorder.

Thinking about research

Please read the following two summaries of research that is linked to the cognitive explanation of PTSD. Then answer and submit the short-answer questions below.

Study 1. Cockram et al (2010)

Cockram et al (2010) examined the role of early maladaptive schemas in the development of PTSD in 220 Australian and New Zealand Vietnam War veterans. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD scored higher on the Young Schema Questionnaire than veterans not diagnosed with PTSD – that is, they reported more negative childhood experiences with parents in early childhood. The results suggest that early maladaptive schemas have an important role in the development or maintenance of PTSD in Vietnam veterans

Study 2. Zhang et al (2014)

Zhang et al (2014) carried out a longitudinal observational study where 1420 adolescents were evaluated twice after the Sichuan earthquake - after three months and again after 17 months. Internal locus of control and problem solving coping skills were effective factors for the decrease of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms over time, while an external locus of control was a significant risk factor for PTSD symptoms.

1.  Choose one of the two studies and comment on its internal validity.

10 lines

2.  Choose one of the two studies and comment on its ecological validity.

10 lines

3.  Choose one of the two studies and comment on its construct validity.

10 lines

4. Choose one of the two studies and identify the research method that was used.  What is one strength and one limitation of that method?

10 lines

5. Which of the two studies do you think is better evidence of the role of cognitive factors in PTSD? Justify your position.

25 lines