Behind a PTSD Diagnosis: Predisposing Factors

Matthew-Tull-700-x-700-px

Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toledo

Key Points

  1. Mark’s heightened conscientiousness and value of personal responsibility led to increased feelings of guilt and shame after he failed to save a person’s life, predisposing him to PTSD.
  2. A strong adherence to traditional masculine norms further complicated Mark’s emotional experiences, as he felt self-judgment and shame for experiencing primary emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger.
  3. The emergence of secondary emotions, driven by self-judgment and perceived weakness, intensified Mark’s distress and led to outbursts, isolation, and ineffective coping mechanisms like alcohol use.
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Identification of Predisposing Factors

After conducting a diagnostic interview and gathering information, the process of creating a clinical formulation for Mark began. The primary aim was to identify factors potentially predisposing him to the development of PTSD following a traumatic event.

Personal Values

The first factor to note is Mark’s pronounced conscientiousness and his strong sense of personal responsibility. As a dedicated police officer from a lineage of first responders, Mark takes immense pride in serving his community. His values of serving others, helping, and giving back to the community are intimately tied to his profession. While they lead to effective behaviors, they also exposed him to difficulties following the traumatic event.

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