Investment in well-being promotion may help reduce risk for PTSD
PRESS RELEASE
October 28, 2024
BOSTON , MA — Researchers at the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston, and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found evidence that higher pre-trauma psychosocial well-being is associated with reduced risk for PTSD, according to a paper published in JAMA Network Open, Oct. 25, 2024.
“Medicine has historically focused on treating disease, rather than promoting well-being,” said lead author Dr. Dawne Vogt, research scientist at the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD and VA Boston Healthcare System, and professor of psychiatry at BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. “Our findings support the need for an expanded focus on well-being, with the goal of preventing disease.”
Data for the research came from a national study of 978 U.S. military veterans who completed biannual surveys during the first three years after discharge and experienced a traumatic event during this timeframe. Participants reported on their vocational, financial and social well-being. Experiences of probable post-traumatic stress disorder, prior trauma exposure, educational attainment, race/ethnicity, stress exposure, probable depression, and pre-existing PTSD were also assessed.
After adjusting for prior trauma exposure and other associated factors, measures of pre-existing well-being were associated with lower risk of probable PTSD among those who reported new trauma exposures at each timepoint. Associations were greatest for measures of social and vocational well-being, as compared to financial well-being. These findings extend previous research demonstrating the impact of social factors on PTSD, such as social support, and suggest that improving relationship quality and vocational outcomes may help reduce risk for PTSD.
“Taken together with previous research, our study suggests that greater investment in well-being promotion could play a protective role among vulnerable populations,” concluded Vogt.
The study is available at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825351
Photo caption (photo linked below):
Dr. Dawne Vogt, research scientist at the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD and VA Boston Healthcare System, and professor of psychiatry at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Dawne Vogt)
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