Research Article
Interpersonal friction and PTSD in female victims of sexual and nonsexual assault
Lori A. Zoellner,
Edna B. Foa,
Bartholomew D. Brigidi,
Corresponding Author
Lori A. Zoellner
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, MCP Hahnemann University, 3200 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129Search for more papers by this authorEdna B. Foa
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Search for more papers by this authorBartholomew D. Brigidi
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Search for more papers by this authorLori A. Zoellner,
Edna B. Foa,
Bartholomew D. Brigidi,
Corresponding Author
Lori A. Zoellner
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, MCP Hahnemann University, 3200 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129Search for more papers by this authorEdna B. Foa
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Search for more papers by this authorBartholomew D. Brigidi
MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This study examines the relationship among features of social relationships, both negative and positive, and later posttrauma pathology. Using a prospective design, 142 female victims of sexual or nonsexual assault were assessed at both 2 weeks and 3 months following the assault. We examined self-reported perceptions of how often the participant has been the recipient of socially supportive actions by others and how often the participant has been engaged in interpersonal friction with others. Degree of interpersonal friction shortly after the assault predicted PTSD severity 3 months later. On the contrary, positive social support did not predict later PTSD severity. These results are consistent with previous studies that underscore the association between negative features of social relationships and PTSD.
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