Christopher S. Immel B.A., James M. Hadder B.S., Michael M. Knepp M.S., Russell T. Jones Ph.D., Thomas H. Ollendick Ph.D. INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY The effects of traumatic events have been well documented and include both physical and psychological repercussions following the event for the majority of individuals involved (Schnurr & Green, 2004b). The effect of traumatic events on somatic symptoms is evident. The most common somatic symptom is headaches, but other symptomatology include (but are not limited to) stomach discomfort, fatigue, and disturbed sleep (Engel, 2004). Research has demonstrated that the hyperarousal sub-cluster of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been shown to mediate the link between emotional distress and somatic health (Kimerling, Clum, Wolfe, 2000). Peritraumatic emotionality has been shown to significantly influence levels of emotional distress following the traumatic event (Brewin, Andrews, & Rose, 2000). Finally, resource loss has been shown to impact levels of distress post-trauma (Hobfell, 1998). The purpose of this poster is to examine the predictive validity of hyperarousal, peritraumatic emotionality, and resource loss on somatic health outcomes following a residential fire. METHODOLOGY (CONT.) RESULTS The study utilized four instruments. The first was the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993). Second, the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-IV: Lifetime Version (Di Nardo, Brown, & Barlow, 1994). Third, a Fire Questionnaire developed specifically for the study (Jones & Ollendick, 1996). Finally, the Freedy’s Resource Loss Scale (Freedy, Shaw, Jarrell, & Masters, 1992). Virginia Tech Department of Psychology, Stress and Coping Lab Examining the Clinical Utility of Predictors in Somatic Symptomatology A preexisting longitudinal dataset of 167 adults (ages 18+) who have survived a residential fire was utilized. Logistical constraints limited the number of participants completing each instrument, with assessments occurring at one month, six months, and twelve months post-trauma. Independent predictor models utilizing reported somatic health across variables was utilized. Results of the first linear regression indicated meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for the hyperarousal sub-cluster of PTSD at one month post-trauma predicted increased reported somatic complaints ( t (156) =3.37,p<.01). Association for Psychological Science 19 th Annual Convention RESULTS (CONT.) DISCUSSION The second linear regression showed peritraumatic emotionality to significantly predict somatic health (t (86)=2.80, p<.01). Finally, the third linear regression indicated that total resource loss experienced during the event can significantly predict somatic symptomatology following a residential fire (t (113)=2.99, p<.01). Results of the study indicate that hyperarousal, peritraumatic emotionality, and resource loss are all significant indicators of somatic symptomatology. It is speculated that peritraumatic emotionality and resource loss are significant contributors to emotional distress post trauma, which is considered a major causal factor in somatization disorder (Brown, 2004). Further, increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system may be causing organic changes to the body, in turn creating health complaints. Practicing clinicians should be cognizant of the impact of these symptoms and/or outcomes of trauma and consider their effects in therapeutic treatment plans. Future studies plan to examine possible mediational and moderational roles of these variables on health outcomes as well as other likely contributing factors to emotional distress post-trauma such as life disruption variables and vicarious traumatization. -Contact Information: Christopher Immel via