Research Article
The Organization of Irrational Beliefs in Posttraumatic Stress Symptomology: Testing the Predictions of REBT Theory Using Structural Equation Modelling
Philip Hyland,
Mark Shevlin, Gary Adamson, Daniel Boduszek,
Corresponding Author
Philip Hyland
University of Ulster
Please address correspondence to: Philip Hyland, University of Ulster Magee, Northland Road Londonderry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorPhilip Hyland,
Mark Shevlin, Gary Adamson, Daniel Boduszek,
Corresponding Author
Philip Hyland
University of Ulster
Please address correspondence to: Philip Hyland, University of Ulster Magee, Northland Road Londonderry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Objective
This study directly tests a central prediction of rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) that has received little empirical attention regarding the core and intermediate beliefs in the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Method
A theoretically consistent REBT model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined using structural equation modelling techniques among a sample of 313 trauma-exposed military and law enforcement personnel.
Results
The REBT model of PTSD provided a good fit of the data, χ2 = 599.173, df = 356, p < .001; standardized root mean square residual = .05 (confidence interval = .04–.05); standardized root mean square residual = .04; comparative fit index = .95; Tucker Lewis index = .95. Results demonstrated that demandingness beliefs indirectly affected the various symptom groups of PTSD through a set of secondary irrational beliefs that include catastrophizing, low frustration tolerance, and depreciation beliefs.
Conclusions
Results were consistent with the predictions of REBT theory and provides strong empirical support that the cognitive variables described by REBT theory are critical cognitive constructs in the prediction of PTSD symptomology.
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