Self-perceived identity and interpersonal adult trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the relationship between self-perceived identity and PTSD symptomatology
IRAS ID
347999
Contact name
Ava Mason
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
n Research and Development Department, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 21 days
Research summary
While research has identified potential risk factors for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) vs post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development, including experiencing trauma of a chronic and interpersonal nature, it does not consider how other factors may play a role in CPTSD development. One potential factor is self-perceived identity: how we think of ourselves (eg. ‘I am powerless’). Currently, there is lack of research investigating the role of self-perceived identity in the context of PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. Investigation into whether specific self-perceived identities are associated with later development of PTSD and DSO (disturbances in self organization) symptoms could aid in the provision of tailored interventions for these individuals.
This research will help us understand whether specific identities developed in childhood that have been stable prior to being 18, are associated with subsequent PTSD and CPTSD symptoms experienced post-adult trauma. This will help increase understanding of whether trauma therapy could be tailored to these distinct identities depending on the individual’s presentation. This will be the first study to examine whether different identities are associated with PTSD and DSO symptoms experienced post-adult trauma.
Participants will be asked to answer a series of online questionnaires about their difficult adult experiences, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms and self-perceived identity. The questionnaires are likely to take no more than 45 minutes to complete (with breaks).
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0047
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion