An Experimental Study of Emotional Responding in Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Related to Interpersonal Violence

Authors: Orsillo S.M.¹; Batten S.V.²; Plumb J.C.³; Luterek J.A.⁴; Roessner B.M.³

Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress, Volume 17, Number 3, June 2004 , pp. 241-248(8)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Although posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined by the experience of intense negative emotions and emotional numbing (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), empirical study of emotional responding in PTSD has been limited. This study examined emotional responding among women with and without PTSD to positive and negative film stimuli across self-reported experience, facial expression, and written expression. Consistent with previous findings, no evidence for generalized numbing was found. In general, women with PTSD exhibited higher levels of negative activation and expressed more negative emotion words to both positive and negative film stimuli, whereas no group differences emerged in facial expressivity. Results are interpreted within the context of the current literature on emotional deficits associated with PTSD.

Keywords: PTSD; emotional responding; facial expression

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:JOTS.0000029267.61240.94

Affiliations: 1: National Center for PTSD, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts;, Email: susan.orsillo@med.va.gov. 2: National Center for PTSD, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts. VA Maryland Healthcare System, Washington, District of Columbia 3: National Center for PTSD, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts 4: Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Publication date: 2004-06-01