Relationship between Behavioral Activation and Inhibition Systems with Experiential Avoidance and Impulsivity of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Aims: The sensitivity of behavioral activation and inhibition systems can play a role in the continuation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Regarding the importance of this issue, the present study was conducted with the aim of predicting the impulsivity and experiential avoidance of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder based on the activation and behavioral inhibition systems.
Instrument & In the present descriptive correlational study, 120 veterans with post-traumatic stress disorders, hospitalized in Isar Psychiatric Hospital in Ardabil were selected, using available sampling method in 2017. The data were collected, using Behavioral Activation and Inhibition Systems Scale, Impulsivity questionnaire, and Acceptance and Action questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software, using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis
Findings: A total of 65.4% of the experiential avoidance variance and 79.1% of the impulsivity variance of veterans with PTSD were determined by behavioral activation and inhibition systems (p=0.001). Behavioral inhibition system (β=0.167) and sensitivity to reward (β=0.66) predicted experiential and avoidance significantly (p The sensitivity of the behavioral activation and inhibition systems increases the experiential avoidance and impulsivity in the veterans with PTSD. Thus, by reducing the activity of brain/behavioral systems, it is possible to modulate experiential avoidance, impulsivity, and PTSD symptoms in veterans.