Two individuals, Sarah and Maria, are involved in the same severe car accident. Both experience significant distress in the immediate aftermath. Genetic screening reveals that Sarah has a common variation in a gene that regulates serotonin, which is associated with an increased likelihood of developing certain stress-related disorders. Maria does not have this genetic variation. Six months later, Sarah is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while Maria has recovered well and does not meet the diagnostic criteria. Analyze this scenario and explain the most likely biological reason for the difference in their long-term outcomes.

Analyzing Differential Outcomes After Trauma

Two firefighters, Maria and David, are involved in the same life-threatening building collapse. Both experience significant distress in the immediate aftermath. Six months later, Maria has developed severe and persistent symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while David has largely recovered and shows few lasting symptoms. A research study they participate in reveals that Maria has two short versions of a specific gene involved in regulating serotonin, while David has two long versions of the same gene. Based on this information, explain the most likely biological reason for the difference in their psychological outcomes.

Genetic Factors in Trauma Response

Biological factors, particularly genetics, can influence an individual's susceptibility to PTSD. Research has shown that people with one or two short versions of a specific gene that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin are at a significantly higher risk of developing PTSD after experiencing trauma in childhood or adulthood.

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The likelihood of developing PTSD after a traumatic event is influenced by a wide range of factors. These include the nature and severity of the trauma itself, the level of social support available immediately after the event, and subsequent life stressors. Individual characteristics also play a significant role, such as being female, having a lower socioeconomic status, lower intelligence, and a personal or family history of mental disorders. A history of childhood adversity, like abuse or other traumas, is another major predictor.

Risk Factors for PTSD

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The prevalence of PTSD is notably higher in certain populations. These include individuals exposed to mass trauma events and people in occupations with frequent duty-related trauma exposure, such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and corrections officers. Incarcerated individuals also show significantly elevated rates of PTSD.

High-Risk Populations for PTSD

The specific nature of a traumatic event is a strong predictor of whether an individual will develop PTSD. Traumas that involve interpersonal harm, such as combat, rape, or sexual molestation, are associated with a greater risk of developing the disorder compared to other types of traumas like natural disasters.

Trauma Type as a PTSD Risk Factor

Certain personality characteristics can elevate an individual's risk of developing PTSD following a trauma. Specifically, traits such as neuroticism and somatization—the tendency to experience stress in the form of physical symptoms—have been identified as significant risk factors.

Personality-Related Risk Factors for PTSD

Genetic Predisposition for PTSD

The development of PTSD can be explained by a diathesis-stress model, which posits that the disorder results from an interaction between pre-existing vulnerabilities and external stressors. This means that an individual's psychosocial and biological predispositions combine with the experience of a traumatic event to influence whether PTSD develops.

Diathesis-Stress Model of PTSD

Following a traumatic event, the presence of social support can significantly decrease the chances of developing PTSD. Social support, defined as the comfort, advice, and help from friends, family, and neighbors, aids coping by offering a safe outlet for expressing feelings and reinforcing a sense of being valued and cared for.

Social Support's Role in Mitigating PTSD

After a major earthquake, three survivors who experienced similar levels of exposure to the event are evaluated. Based on the profiles below, which individual has the highest likelihood of developing a severe stress-related disorder? Justify your answer by identifying and explaining at least three distinct risk factors present in their profile.

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