The examination of behavior inhibition system sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and sex in relation to post-traumatic stress symptom severity: Comparison of a moderated versus mediated model

Research has shown that women are more likely to develop PTSD subsequent to trauma exposure in comparison with men. Additionally, women are more likely to report maladaptive emotion regulation strategies as well as behavior inhibition system sensitivity, both of which are risk factors for the development of PTSD. This relationship is not well understood, with some research supporting a moderating role of experiential avoidance in the BIS-PTSD relationship and other research supporting a mediating role. Using a co-ed college student sample (N = 370; 78.4% Female), the current study aimed to compare both a moderated and mediated model as well as attempt to understand what role sex might play in these models. Results support a moderated mediation model, with experiential avoidance serving as the mediator between behavior inhibition sensitivity and post-traumatic stress symptom severity, with sex acting as a moderator for this relationship. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.