Prevalence and predictors of PTSD among a college sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in freshman entering college and prospective associations of probable PTSD with additional outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS: 2,310 students with data collected from Fall 2014 through Spring 2015.

METHODS: Incoming freshman completed a survey assessing for relevant variables at the beginning of fall semester and during the spring semester.

RESULTS: Seventy percent of the sample endorsed experiencing at least one potentially traumatic event (PTE). 34.4% of PTE exposed individuals met criteria for probable PTSD. Female sex, higher depressive and anxiety symptoms, and interpersonal PTE count were positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Higher PTSD symptoms were associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, and new-onset interpersonal PTE.

CONCLUSIONS: Identification of factors contributing to risk for PTSD is essential to inform prevention and intervention efforts. Intervention efforts should be targeted to students experiencing PTSD symptoms as they enter college.