Abstract:
Background and Objectives. Anxiety buffer disruption theory (ABDT) suggests that traumatic events lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by dismantling the anxiety-buffering system outlined in terror management theory (TMT). We attempted to test the ABDT using data collected from emerging adults related to their experiences in a severe tornado that struck their general geographic area. Design. The current study employed a longitudinal design, with data collected both before and after the tornado. Methods. Using data collected both before and after the tornado, we tested whether (a) pre-tornado self-esteem or past trauma moderated the effect of tornado exposure on later PTSD symptoms, and (b) whether the relation between level of tornado exposure and subsequent PTSD symptoms was mediated by decreased self-esteem. Results. Consistent with ABDT, we found that both pre-tornado self-esteem and pre-tornado trauma moderated the effects of exposure on PTSD symptoms. However, none of the predicted effects was mediated through pre- to post-tornado changes in self-esteem. Conclusions. The current study provides partial support for the ABDT using prospective data. Additional strengths and limitations of this research with respect to ongoing work on ABDT are discussed.
