Optimism and PTSD: A Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review investigates the intricate relationship between optimism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing essential insights for mental health interventions. The study explores the potential protective role of optimism in navigating traumatic experiences by synthesizing findings from diverse research samples, including survivors of motor vehicle accidents, war veterans, and individuals exposed to various traumas. The literature review encompasses studies investigating dispositional optimism’s influence on stress reactions, and the moderating role of optimism in the relationship between traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms. This research reflects the association between optimism and levels of PTSD symptoms concerning trauma. Most research studies revealed that optimism is negatively related to distress and intrusive thoughts in response to trauma. We also noted that there is no correlation between optimism and trauma. It was also concluded that females have a higher risk of PTSD experience than males due to differences in affective and cognitive processing of trauma situations.