Gender Differences in Trauma Exposure, PTSD, and Substance Use Relationships in a College Sample

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated gender differences in the relationship between trauma exposure, PTSD, and substance use (alcohol use, drinking consequences, and marijuana use) in a large college sample. It also examined the role of trauma types and PTSD symptom clusters in predicting substance use within trauma-exposed participants. Participants: The sample was collected through a multi-site study and included 3,753 undergraduate students (61% female) from two west-coast colleges. Methods: Moderation and multivariate regression analyses were conducted using cross-sectional data from participants’ self-report questionnaires. Results: There were significant gender-related differences and interactions between gender and trauma exposure/PTSD-status in rates of substance use, drinking consequences, and risky drinking behaviors. Furthermore, emotional numbing symptoms and physical assault were most strongly associated with increased drinking consequences and marijuana use. Conclusion: College campuses should work to implement preventative and treatment interventions for students most at risk for engaging in risky substance use and experiencing negative consequences.