Predicting Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Severity from Emotional Intelligence and Coping Strategies in PTSD Patients

People working in various police units، specially operating systems، are at risk of traumatic dangers. These dangers lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases. People with PTSD show various symptom severities on which several factors can be effective. The purpose of this research is to investigate relationship of emotional intelligence and coping strategies with post-traumatic stress disorder severity in patients referred to Valiasr and Imam Sajjad NAJA hospitals. In this correlation study، 115 patients were selected by Sequential Sampling and completed three types of questionnaire: Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I)، Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ)، and Mississippi PTSD Scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson''s correlation and hierarchical multivariate regression analysis. Results showed that «Happiness» (p<0/001)، «Reality Testing» (p=0/004) and «Seeking Social Support» (p<0/001) can predict the PTSD severity negatively، and escape/avoidance can predict it positively (p=0/001). These indicators express nearly 50 percent of PTSD variance. Happiness in people with PTSD can reflects in having least problems and having a happy family. A family that provides most support for them. The support that is necessary to deal with their problems and not avoiding them. Reality testing in shadow of social support is not only harmful، but also one of the principles of treating these people. Some of the best acts that can be used to prevent or minimize the severity of symptoms، is teaching the coping strategies and emotional intelligence skills to the police who are the most vulnerable.