PTSD Symptoms and Life Satisfaction of Homicidally Bereaved Individuals: Trial Attendance, Trial-Related Factors, and Perceived Social Support

Experiencing the homicide of a loved one can lead to considerable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and impair life satisfaction. Beyond the loss itself, trial attendance and trial-related factors (perception of justice, distress during the trial, dissatisfaction with the verdict) can further influence the PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction of homicidally bereaved individuals (HBI). However, the relationship between trial attendance, trial-related factors and perceived social support (PSS) have not yet been examined. This study compared the PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction of HBI who attended a trial and those who did not. It also investigated whether trial attendance moderated the relationship between PSS, PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction. Finally, the study explored associations between trial-related factors, PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction among HBI who attended a trial. A total of 149 participants (including 63 HBI who attended a trial and 86 who did not) completed an online questionnaire. Results showed that trial attendance moderated the association between PSS and PTSD symptoms. Trial-related factors accounted for a significant portion of the variance of PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction, beyond the contribution of PSS and time since the homicide.