Which characteristic is associated with the individual factor in predisposing someone to PTSD?

The individual factor associated with predisposing someone to PTSD is a history of substance misuse. This aspect is significant because individuals who have experienced substance misuse may have already developed coping strategies that are less adaptive. They might be more vulnerable to stress due to previous trauma or emotional issues. Moreover, substance misuse can impair one's ability to process traumatic experiences effectively, increasing the risk of developing PTSD following stressful or traumatic events.

In contrast, while experiencing extreme traumatic events, such as being robbed at gunpoint or the unexpected death of a child, can certainly lead to PTSD symptoms, these are more directly linked to the circumstances of the traumatic experience rather than to individual predispositions. Living far from family may add stress but does not directly correlate with an increased risk of PTSD related to individual characteristics or factors. Therefore, the history of substance misuse stands out as an individual risk factor that highlights pre-existing vulnerabilities that could influence the onset of PTSD.