The Independent Predictive Value of Peritraumatic Dissociation for Postdisaster Intrusions, Avoidance Reactions, and PTSD Symptom Severity: A 4-Year Prospective Study

Abstract

This 4-year prospective study (N =662) of victims of a fireworks disaster examines the independent predictive value of peritraumatic dissociation for self-reported intrusions, avoidance reactions, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity at both 18-months (T2) and almost 4-years postdisaster (T3). Peritraumatic dissociation was measured 2–3 weeks after the disaster (T1). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that peritraumatic dissociation was not a strong independent predictor for intrusions and avoidance reactions and PTSD symptom severity at T2 or at T3 above initial intrusions, avoidance reactions, and psychological distress (T1). Results suggest that an early screening procedure for peritraumatic dissociation, which is aimed at identifying disaster victims who are at risk for long-term psychological disturbances can be omitted.