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Journal of Black Psychology
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A Preliminary Examination of Trauma History, Locus of Control, and PTSD Symptom Severity in African American Women

Sarah K. Hood

American University

Michele M. Carter

American University, mcart{at}american.edu

Prior research has established a relationship between external locus of control and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity among Caucasians. There is also evidence that African Americans tend to exhibit an elevated external locus of control. However, the relationship between external control and PTSD symptom severity has not been examined among African American women. Using a sample of African American adult female volunteers who self-reported a history of child abuse and/or sexual or physical assault in adulthood, the present study sought to examine the relationships between trauma history, locus of control, and PTSD symptom severity. Participants in the child/adult trauma group reported fewer PTSD symptoms than those with a history of adult trauma only. Contrary to expectations, however, trauma history was not related to locus of control in this sample of African American women. It is possible that factors associated with African American socialization may serve as a buffer to the development or maintenance of PTSD.

Key Words: posttraumatic stress disorder • African Americans • locus of control

This version was published on May 1, 2008

Journal of Black Psychology, Vol. 34, No. 2, 179-191 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0095798407310541
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