Post-traumatic stress disorder and violence : selective processing of threat cues

A study was conducted to examine the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), violence and the selective processing of threat cues. It was predicted there would be a high level of PTSD among a male forensic population and that PTSD symptoms arising from violent trauma would be related to aggression. It was suggested that one mechanism that may provide a link between PTSD (based on violent trauma) and violence, is the selective processing of violent stimuli. An information-processing approach was used as the theoretical basis for the study and a Violent Stroop test was developed. Consistent with previous studies, a high level of trauma and PTSD was found among violent offenders. As predicted, levels of PTSD (based on violent victimisation) were significantly related to violent behaviour, whereas PTSD from non violent events was not related to violent behaviour. Both PTSD symptoms from violent trauma and violent behaviour were significantly associated with Stroop interference for violent words. A number of possible co-variants were also examined. The results were discussed and a critical review of the study was given. Clinical implications and possibilities for future research were provided.