Social engagement, self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress symptoms across 6 months of psychotherapy

• Published in: Journal of clinical psychology 2021-01, Vol.77 (1), p.60-77
• Main Authors: Shoji, Kotaro, Smith, Andrew J., Sano, Riko, Samuelson, Kristin W., Benight, Charles C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: coping self‐efficacy; functional outcomes; posttraumatic stress; Psychotherapy; Self-efficacy; social engagement; social functioning; treatment
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23034

Objective The current study was conducted in a naturalistic treatment setting to examine whether and how perceptions about social engagement, trauma coping self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) influence one another across 6 months of psychotherapy for trauma survivors. Method The sample included 183 clients who reported exposure to traumatic events and significant PTS (PCL‐5 ≥ 33). Participants (Mage = 37.8, 53.6% female) completed surveys at intake, 3 months, and 6 months into treatment. A cross‐lagged panel analysis was used to test the relationships among perceived social engagement, coping self‐efficacy, and PTS across three assessment points. Results PTS at 3‐months was a mediator in the relationship between intake perceived social engagement and 6‐month coping self‐efficacy and between intake perceived social engagement and 6‐month perceived social engagement. Conclusions PTS several months into treatment may serve as a mechanism between intake perceived social engagement and functional outcomes such as coping self‐efficacy.