Model of severity of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in teenagers based on alienation and temperament and character traits with the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs

Post-traumatic stress disorder may be observed at any age, it is more common in teenagers due to accelerating factors. This study has aimed to provide a model of the severity of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder based on alienation and temperament and character traits with the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in teenagers. This study aimed to present of a model of the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms based on alienation and temperament characteristics with the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in teenagers.

descriptive correlation and structural equation modeling was used in the study. The statistical population includes all secondary school students in the city of Qom who were in the academic year 2018-2019. 421 students (105 boys and 316 girls) were selected by the convenience sampling method and completed temperament and character inventory, alienation, metacognitive beliefs, and PTSD symptom severity. To analyze the data, a structural equation method was used with Imus software.

The results of the structural equation modeling showed that the measured model has a good fit with the conceptual model. The results of the model analysis showed that the direct effects of temperament and character and alienation and indirect effects with the mediation of metacognitive beliefs are significant on the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (p<0.05). Metacognitive beliefs also had a direct and significant effect on the severity of PTSD symptoms (p<0.05).

The findings from the study showed that the loss of social support affected by alienation leads to a decrease in individual psychological resistance in facing crises and incidents, as well as metacognitive beliefs via creating concern about hypervigilance and focused attention on oneself causes the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Thus, it is possible to point out the influence of temperament, and character, alienation, and metacognitive beliefs on the mental health of teenagers in families.