The Impact of Past Trauma on Psychological Distress: The Roles of Defense Mechanisms and Alexithymia

摘要

Objectives Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following past trauma could lead to psychological distress. Little is known, however, about the roles of defense mechanisms and alexithymia may play in the process. The current study aimed to examine the potential impact of alexithymia and defense mechanisms on the relationship between past trauma and distress among Chinese university students.