Abstract

This study aimed to identify events that predict PTSD symptoms in Korean adults, including DSM-5 diagnostic criteria events(direct experience events), DSM-5 non-diagnostic criteria events(direct experience), and indirect experience events. Data from 1,136 Korean adults were analyzed using the machine learning technique of Elastic Net regression analysis. In this study, a total of 55 events were included as independent variables for PTSD symptoms: 19 DSM-5 diagnostic criteria events(direct experience), 17 DSM-5 non-diagnostic criteria events(direct experience), and 19 indirect experience events. The results showed that 19 events predicted PTSD symptoms, including 6 DSM-5 diagnostic criteria events(direct experience), 9 DSM-5 non-diagnostic criteria events(direct experience), and 4 indirect experience events. The significance of this study lies in confirming that not only DSM-5 diagnostic criteria events(direct experience) but also DSM-5 non-diagnostic criteria events(direct experience) and indirect experience events can predict PTSD symptoms.