There has been extensive research on the consequences of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) on individuals, especially when these events are perceived as self-defining. However, there is a gap in the literature on the specific mechanisms involved in how self-defining events contribute to PTSD. Modern theories of identity may offer insight into these mechanisms as they explore identity structures and the reasons behind our commitment to certain identities. The model proposed in this study offers a unique conceptual framework integrating theories from both social and clinical fields to explain how traumatic events impact one's identities, the strategies employed to maintain one's sense of self, and how this potential change in sense of self contributes to PTSD. Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event in the past year were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires assessing different identity indices and mental health functioning. Results showed that for PTSD Severity, Anxiety Severity, and Psychological Wellbeing, Number of Identities were associated with Identity Maintenance and Identity Change at follow-up while Identity Maintenance and Change were associated mental health outcomes at follow-up. Identity Commitment was also found to moderate the association between Maintenance and mental health outcomes, where this association was significant when Identity Commitment levels were low but not when they were high. However, these associations were not significant when Stress Severity and Depression Severity were used as outcomes. This project allows the advancement of knowledge on how traumatic events contribute to changes in sense of self and PTSD as it establishes a model to uncover the specific mechanisms involved in these processes.
Change, Commitment, Identity, Maintenance, PTSD, Trauma
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