The Predictive Value of Complex PTSD Symptoms on Resting High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability

Although the negative consequences of traumatic exposure across various domains of functioning have been well-documented, gaps and discrepancies continue to exist in the understanding of the impact of complex trauma, such as interpersonal violence (IPV), and how outcomes may vary across diverse populations and identities. In this cross-sectional study investigating the impact of traumatic exposure on physiological domains of functioning, a sample of female-identifying college students completed a number of self-reported measures (assessing past and present trauma exposure, complex posttraumatic stress disorder [CPTSD] symptoms, racial-ethnic minority status, and age of onset of first traumatic exposure) and provided resting high-frequency heart rate variability (hfHRV) data, which served as a biomarker for the potential impact of trauma exposure on physiological domains. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength of relationships between variables and the predictive value of the models. Results indicated endorsement of IPV trauma was significantly associated with earlier age of onset, more severe levels of CPTSD symptoms, and higher hfHRV, but not racial-ethnic minority status. Racial-ethnic minority status was significantly related to more severe CPTSD symptoms. Type of trauma exposure was the only variable that emerged as having predictive value for changes in hfHRV. These findings suggest that experiencing IPV may have unique implications for trauma symptomatology and functioning above and beyond other forms of traumatic exposure, but that continued research must be conducted in order to draw more robust conclusions about the effects of exposure on physiological regulation across various racial-ethnic identities. ; M.S. ; Research has highlighted the consequences that extremely negative, stressful experiences, also called traumatic events, can have on the way humans think, emote, behave, and physically react. It can be more difficult to draw conclusions about the ...