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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Cognitive appraisal of exposure to specific types of trauma - a study of gender differences

Authors: Dana–Cristina Herta, Bogdan Nemes, Doina Cozman

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The role of gender in posttraumatic cognitions has increasingly been approached. The current study comparatively evaluates posttraumatic cognitions in men and women exposed to specific nonsexual trauma (motor vehicle accidents, work – related accidents, burns).

Methods

Posttraumatic cognitions and posttraumatic stress symptoms were comparatively assessed in 53 men and 37 women treated in 3 Romanian primary care units after specific accidental trauma. Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) was used to assess posttraumatic cognitions, and the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT) was used to assess posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Results

Men with significant posttraumatic stress symptoms endorsed more negative cognitions than women. Men with posttraumatic disability more consistently endorsed some negative cognitions regarding instrumentality, strength and control than their female counterparts. Women and men without posttraumatic disability reported similarly low levels of negative posttraumatic cognitions. Time elapsed since trauma increased most negative cognitions in men.

Conclusions

The intensity of PTSD symptoms and presence of posttraumatic disability influence negative cognitions after exposure to accidental trauma. Women experiencing clinically significant PTSD symptoms endorse more cognitions regarding instrumentality, strength and control than male counterparts. Women with permanent disability after trauma report less cognitions involving emotionality, dependence and low self – efficacy than male counterparts. In the absence of permanent posttraumatic disability, men and women endorse similar levels of negative cognitions after accidental trauma. With time elapsed since trauma, men perceive decreasing self – efficacy, problem – solving and emotional control, while women perceive decreasing interpersonal cooperation. Despite limitations (cross-sectional design, lack of normative data for PTCI to ascertain culturally – specific gendered cognitions), this study supports the gender – sensitive approach of accidental trauma, especially when its consequences are pervasive, disabling and increasingly burdensome.
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Metadata
Title
Cognitive appraisal of exposure to specific types of trauma - a study of gender differences
Authors
Dana–Cristina Herta
Bogdan Nemes
Doina Cozman
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-017-0468-x

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