Adaptive and Maladaptive Cognitive-Emotional Strategies Associated With PTSD in First Responders

Objective To examine associations between cognitive-emotional strategies and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first responders with high trauma exposure. Method Our study used baseline data from a cluster randomized controlled study of first responders across Colorado in the United States. Those with high exposure to critical incidents were selected into the current study. Participants completed validated measures of PTSD, emotional regulation and stress mindsets. Results A significant association was found for the emotion regulation strategy of expressive suppression and PTSD symptoms. No significant associations were found for other cognitive-emotional strategies. Logistic regression indicated that those with high use of expressive suppression were at significantly greater odds of probable PTSD compared to those with lower use (odds ratio, 4.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–17.41; P = 0.014). Conclusions Our findings suggest that first responders with high use of expressive suppression are at significantly higher risk of probable PTSD.