Reckless Self‐Destructive Behavior and PTSD in Veterans: The Mediating Role of New Adverse Events

The addition of self‐destructive and reckless behavior as a symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in DSM‐5 has stimulated renewed interest in understanding relationships between these behaviors and trauma‐related psychopathology. This study examined the relationship between reckless and self‐destructive behaviors (RSDB), intervening exposure to new adverse events, and later PTSD severity in a sample of trauma‐exposed veterans. At baseline, participants were assessed for RSDB (past 5 years) and current PTSD severity (N = 222). PTSD severity was then reassessed approximately 4 years later (N = 148). Overall, RSDB were reported by 74.4% of the sample, with 61.3% engaging in multiple forms of RSDB. The most commonly endorsed behaviors included alcohol/drug abuse (42.8%), driving while intoxicated (29.4%), gambling (24.7%), and aggression (23.1%). There was a positive correlation between RSDB and PTSD severity at both the baseline (r = .16, p = .031) and follow‐up assessment (r = .24, p = .005). Path models indicated that exposure to new adverse events fully mediated the effect of Time 1 RSDB on PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (indirect association: β = .05, p = .046). Results suggest that RSDB are common among trauma‐exposed veterans and may perpetuate PTSD symptoms by increasing exposure to new adverse events.