The College of Education announces the final Dissertation of

Floyd Cole

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

October 4, 2016 at 10:00 am in 103, Ball Hall

Major Advisor: Elin Ovrebo, PhD

MALE NORM CONFORMITY AND MINORITY STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF PTSD SYMPTOMOLOGY AMONG NON-HETEROSEXUAL MEN

ABSTRACT: Using a sample of 221 non-heterosexual males, this study explores whether the conformity to male norms subscales and minority stress subscales moderates the relationship between interpersonal trauma and PTSD symptomology. Results demonstrated that number of traumatic events and recency of traumatic events were the strongest predictors of PTSD symptomology. Endorsement of risk-taking behaviors, a heterosexual self-presentation, concerns regarding feeling accepted by others, and difficulty processing one’s sexual orientation predicted the relationship between interpersonal trauma and PTSD symptomology. Failure to endorse negative feelings of sexual orientation and lack of acceptance toward violence decreased the relationship between IPT and PTSD symptomology.