Experiential avoidance mediates the relations between mindfulness and PTSD symptoms severity in terrorist attack survivors

There is substantial evidence supporting the robust dissipative influence of mindfulness on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but its mediating pathway has been rarely explored. The present study aimed at determining whether the relationship between mindfulness and PTSD symptoms is mediated via the mechanism of experiential avoidance (EA). This cross-sectional study involved 577 survivors of Fulani herdsmen attack in South-eastern Nigeria. Igbo language version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, and PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 were completed by the participants. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent association between mindfulness, EA and PTSD symptoms. Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS was employed for mediation analysis. Results revealed that mindfulness was directly and negatively associated with PTSD symptoms and was also negatively associated with PTSD symptoms via the pathway of lower EA. EA was also directly and positively associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioural change intervention in the management of PTSD in survivors of a terror attack as it may be beneficial in disabling PTSD symptoms through a decrease in EA.