The Moderating Role of Nonviolent Communication in the Relationship Between PTSD and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Investigation

Background: The demoralization model of depression suggests that PTSD could lead to depressive symptoms. However, not all people with PTSD have co-occurring depressive symptoms. Objective: To examine the moderating role of nonviolent communication (NVC) behaviors in the relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from a sample of young adults (N = 146) online. They completed validated screening measures of PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and NVC behaviors at baseline (T1), and reported their depressive symptoms again after three months (T2). Results: PTSD symptoms were correlated to depressive symptoms at both T1 (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) and T2 (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). NVC behaviors were also negatively correlated to depressive symptoms at T1 (r = −0.40, p < 0.001) and T2 (r = −0.36, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, childhood trauma, and T1 depressive symptoms, T1 NVC behaviors moderated the effects of T1 PTSD symptoms on T2 depressive symptoms (B = 0.149, p = 0.019). T1 PTSD symptoms predicted T2 depressive symptoms only when the levels of NVC behaviors were low (β = −1.149, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The moderating role of NVC behaviors in the longitudinal relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms was identified. NVC training programs might be beneficial to individuals with PTSD and depressive symptoms. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs for trauma survivors.