Posttrauma reckless and self-destructive behaviors among trauma-exposed sexual orientation and gender diverse adults

Abstract

Sexual orientation and gender diverse (SOGD) adults report disproportionately higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, examination of PTSD's new E2 criterion (i.e., posttrauma reckless and self-destructive behaviors [RSDBs]) has yet to be investigated among SOGD adults. The current study characterized the rate and types of past-month posttrauma RSDBs among trauma-exposed SOGD adults as well as the relation of past-month posttrauma RSDBs to PTSD severity. Participants were 122 trauma-exposed SOGD adults who were recruited from the community (M age = 32.59; 61.5% female; 18.9% gay/lesbian, 54.1% bisexual/pansexual, and 27% multiple sexual orientation identities). Results revealed a majority of trauma-exposed SOGD adults (69.4%) endorsed at least one past-month posttrauma RSDB. The most frequently endorsed RSDBs were problematic eating behaviors, problematic technology use, and reckless spending. Participants endorsing past-month posttrauma RSDBs reported significantly greater PTSD symptom severity compared to participants not endorsing past-month posttrauma RSDBs. Findings suggest that posttrauma RSDBs are prevalent among trauma-exposed SOGD adults and are associated with PTSD symptom severity, underscoring the need for assessing and intervening on RSDBs in this population.