Masculine Gender Role Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity Among Inpatient Male Crack/Cocaine Users

This study examined the association between masculine gender role stress (MGRS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, above and beyond other factors previously found to be associated with PTSD symptoms (e.g., anxiety sensitivity and thought suppression) among 33 crack/cocaine-dependent patients in residential substance abuse treatment. Participants completed a series of questionnaires and were interviewed to determine current PTSD symptom severity. MGRS accounted for a significant amount of additional variance in PTSD symptom severity above and beyond other identified risk factors for PTSD. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for reducing PTSD risk among men following exposure to a potentially traumatic event.