Cited by 381Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchResilience and Mental HealthGrief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

Trauma coping strategies and psychological distress: A meta‐analysis

Littleton, Heather, Horsley, Samantha, John, Siji, Nelson, David V.·2007·Journal of Traumatic Stress

Abstract

The identification of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies following traumatic events has been the subject of much scientific inquiry. The current study sought through meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the use of approach and avoidance strategies (both problem-focused and emotion/cognitive focused) following trauma and psychological distress. Thirty-nine studies of coping following two types of traumatic events (interpersonal violence and severe injury) were retained in the meta-analysis. There was a consistent association between avoidance coping and distress, overall r = .37, but no association between approach coping and distress, overall r = -.03, but some important moderators existed. Implications of the results for future research regarding coping and trauma recovery are discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1002/jts.20276

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Authors
Littleton, H., Horsley, S., John, S., & Nelson, D. V.
Affiliations
Sam Houston State University (US)
Corresponding author
Littleton, Heather
Venue
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-12
Volume
20
Issue
6
Pages
977-988
ISSN
  • 0894-9867 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-6598
OpenAlex
W1974330824
Cited by
380
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 32 · 2023: 22 · 2022: 33 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 14
FWCI
1.19
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Traumatic Stress (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
Keywords
psychological distress, avoidance coping, approach coping, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, interpersonal violence, severe injuries, trauma recovery
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Stress, Psychological, Wounds and Injuries

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