An examination of the relationship between cumulative traumati̇c events, post-traumati̇c stress di̇sorder symptoms, and psychological flexibility

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cumulative traumatic events, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and psychological flexibility, as well as to assess whether these variables differ based on demographic characteristics. The negative impact of traumatic experiences on individuals' mental health is frequently emphasized in the literature. However, identifying psychological factors that influence individuals' resilience to trauma is of great importance in terms of preventive and interventional psychological support practices. This research was designed as a quantitative study and conducted using a correlational survey model. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27. The study group consisted of 421 participants (275 women and 146 men) between the ages of 18 and 60, reached via online survey. The data collection tools included the Brief Cumulative Trauma Scale, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Psychological Flexibility Scale, and a sociodemographic information form. The data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation analysis. According to analyses based on demographic variables, women and unemployed individuals showed higher levels of PTSD symptoms and lower levels of psychological flexibility. Additionally, individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis exhibited significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms and trauma history, and markedly lower psychological flexibility. Findings indicated that the cumulative trauma variable was positively and significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms, while it was negatively and significantly correlated with psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility was negatively associated with all subdimensions of PTSD. Moreover, psychological flexibility significantly and negatively predicted PTSD levels. These findings demonstrate that psychological flexibility is an important protective factor in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms. While cumulative trauma was confirmed to increase PTSD symptoms, psychological flexibility was found to buffer this adverse effect. Individuals with high psychological flexibility exhibited fewer PTSD symptoms despite experiencing the same level of trauma, supporting the role of flexibility as a buffer. These results highlight the importance of resilience-enhancing interventions for at-risk groups (e.g., women, unemployed individuals, those with a psychiatric history). Future research is recommended to develop preventive programs focusing on psychological flexibility.