Investigation of the Relationship Between Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Post-Traumatic Stress and Growth Levels

This study examined the differences in the relationships of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms and Post-traumatic Growth (PTG) levels with Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies (CERS). The sample consisted of 305 participants aged between 18 and 65 who reported experiencing traumatic events but were not diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants completed the Turkish versions of the Demographic Information Form, Post-Traumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5), Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) through online methods. According to a Correlation Difference Analysis, in the high PTG group, Self-blame showed no significant difference in its relationship with PTS symptoms and PTG, while in the low PTG group it was more strongly associated with PTS symptoms. Similarly, Acceptance was more associated with PTS symptoms than PTG in the high PTG group, but no significant difference was found in the low PTG group. Lastly, Putting into Perspective showed no significant difference in the high PTG group but was more strongly associated with PTG in the low PTG group. There are differences in how CERS relates to PTS symptoms and PTG, both across the different strategies and based on individuals’ PTG levels. The results are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.