Citation

Thompson RW, Arnkoff DB, Glass CR. Trauma Violence Abuse 2011; 12(4): 220-235.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA. RachelWThompson@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1524838011416375

PMID

21908440

Abstract

Mindfulness- and acceptance-based conceptualizations of PTSD implicate experiential avoidance and non-mindful behavior in the etiology and maintenance of the disorder. If experiential avoidance is associated with vulnerability to PTSD, then a mindful and accepting orientation toward experience may confer psychological resilience following exposure to trauma. This article examines how mindfulness- and acceptance-based theories of psychopathology relate to risk of and resilience to PTSD. Research is reviewed dealing with the impact of experiential avoidance, avoidant coping, dissociation, acceptance, and mindfulness on PTSD symptom severity and posttraumatic functioning. This review suggests that trait mindfulness and acceptance are associated with greater psychological adjustment following exposure to trauma, while experiential avoidance, persistent dissociation, and coping strategies involving emotional disengagement are associated with greater PTSD symptom severity and related psychopathology. Methodological challenges are explored and suggestions for future research and PTSD prevention programs are discussed.

Language: en