Proximal vs. Distal Predictors of Trauma Symptoms Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

Causation is required to determine liability in litigation, however, the “how” of an existing association may be unclear, yet important as a matter of law. The present study investigated the relationship between historical trauma exposure and trauma symptoms endorsed after a trauma simulation. Trauma symptoms existing about the time of the simulation were explored, particularly whether they mediate that relationship. Results confirmed a significant mediating role between distal trauma exposure, proximal traumatic symptoms, and simulation induced trauma symptoms. These results are significant to both forensic psychology and civil litigation, particularly in cases involving plaintiffs with a history of trauma.