Harnett, N. G.Dumornay, N. M.Delity, M.Sanchez, L. D.Mohiuddin, K.Musey, P. I., Jr.Seamon, M. J.McLean, S. A.Kessler, R. C.Koenen, K. C.Beaudoin, F. L.Lebois, L. A. M.van Rooij, S. J. H.Sampson, N. A.Michopoulos, V.Maples-Keller, J. L.Haran, J. P.Storrow, A. B.Lewandowski, C.Hendry, P. L.Sheikh, S.Jones, C. W.Punches, B. E.Kurz, M. C.Swor, R. A.McGrath, M. E.Hudak, L. A.Pascual, J. L.House, S. L.An, X.Stevens, J. S.Neylan, T. C.Jovanovic, T.Linnstaedt, S. D.Germine, L. T.Datner, E. M.Chang, A. M.Pearson, C.Peak, D. A.Merchant, R. C.Domeier, R. M.Rathlev, N. K.O'Neil, B. J.Sergot, P.Bruce, S. E.Miller, M. W.Pietrzak, R. H.Joormann, J.Barch, D. M.Pizzagalli, D. A.Sheridan, J. F.Smoller, J. W.Luna, B.Harte, S. E.Elliott, J. M.Ressler, K. J.2024-07-112024-07-112023Harnett NG, Dumornay NM, Delity M, et al. Prior differences in previous trauma exposure primarily drive the observed racial/ethnic differences in posttrauma depression and anxiety following a recent trauma. Psychol Med. 2023;53(6):2553-2562. doi:10.1017/S0033291721004475https://hdl.handle.net/1805/42122Background: Racial and ethnic groups in the USA differ in the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent research however has not observed consistent racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic stress in the early aftermath of trauma, suggesting that such differences in chronic PTSD rates may be related to differences in recovery over time. Methods: As part of the multisite, longitudinal AURORA study, we investigated racial/ethnic differences in PTSD and related outcomes within 3 months after trauma. Participants (n = 930) were recruited from emergency departments across the USA and provided periodic (2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months after trauma) self-report assessments of PTSD, depression, dissociation, anxiety, and resilience. Linear models were completed to investigate racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic dysfunction with subsequent follow-up models assessing potential effects of prior life stressors. Results: Racial/ethnic groups did not differ in symptoms over time; however, Black participants showed reduced posttraumatic depression and anxiety symptoms overall compared to Hispanic participants and White participants. Racial/ethnic differences were not attenuated after accounting for differences in sociodemographic factors. However, racial/ethnic differences in depression and anxiety were no longer significant after accounting for greater prior trauma exposure and childhood emotional abuse in White participants. Conclusions: The present findings suggest prior differences in previous trauma exposure partially mediate the observed racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic depression and anxiety symptoms following a recent trauma. Our findings further demonstrate that racial/ethnic groups show similar rates of symptom recovery over time. Future work utilizing longer time-scale data is needed to elucidate potential racial/ethnic differences in long-term symptom trajectories.en-USPublisher PolicyDisparitiesAnxietyDepressionEthnicityRaceTraumaArticle