Date of Submission

2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie H. Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Stephen R. Poteau, PhD

Second Advisor

Ashley Poole, PsyD

Third Advisor

Michael B. Roberts, PsyD

Abstract

Research with veterans suggests executive dysfunction associated with PTSD often results in problems with quality of life. Objective impairments in executive functions do not significantly correlate with subjective reports; despite this discrepancy, the perception of dysfunction impacts quality of life. Research indicates that perception of chaos/unpredictability can undermine the ability to perform executive functions. This study explored how the perception of chaos impacts the relationship between PTSD and subjective executive dysfunction and quality of life among veterans. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to determine whether a relationship exists between PTSD symptomatology and subjective executive dysfunction and between subjective executive dysfunction and quality of life. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to demonstrate whether, after controlling for PTSD symptom severity, perception of chaos/unpredictability remained a significant predictor of perception of executive dysfunction. Results indicated that veterans with a greater degree of PTSD symptomatology endorsed more significant subjective deficits in executive functioning. The perception of chaos/unpredictability remained a significant predictor of subjective executive dysfunction, despite PTSD symptom severity. Veterans who endorsed more significant executive dysfunction advocated greater problems with quality of life. Results of the study increase the understanding of the disparities between objective testing and self-report measures, inform conceptualization of veterans, and highlight the need for further research in this area.

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