The Role of the Timing of Previous Traumatic Events in Moderating the Relationship Between Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress

Background and Objectives: Many studies suggest a relationship between previous experience of traumatic events and posttraumatic stress (PTS), but little is known about the influence of the timing of these events. The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating (buffering/intensifying) effect of previous traumatic events on the relationship between acute stress disorder (ASD) and PTS, distinguishing between events occurring before ASD and between ASD and PTS during a 6-year gap. Design and Method: This longitudinal study was based on questionnaires administered to 301 home front civilians in Israel during the Second Lebanon War (July 12–August 14, 2006) measuring ASD—and PTS 6 years later. We examined the experience of traumatic events occurring before the war and up to 6 years after the war. Results: ASD reaction predicted PTS symptoms. Additionally, we found a negative relationship between traumatic events that occurred more than 6 years previously (before the war) and PTS, and a positive relationship between traumatic events that occurred during the 6-year gap (after the war) and PTS. Conclusions: The article discusses the moderating effect of previous traumatic events on the ASD–PTS relationship over a long period of time and in a civilian sample and suggests another way to examine the effect of previous traumatic experiences—in terms of their timing.