The purpose of this study was to investigate the specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies affecting the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress symptoms by reviewing the related literature. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, DBPia, and RISS for investigating the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and post-traumatic stress symptoms in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or in those who had experienced severe trauma. Catastrophizing and rumination were associated with more post-traumatic stress symptoms and higher psychological distress. On the other hand, positive reappraisal, refocus on planning, and acceptance were associated with fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms and lower psychological distress. We propose that catastrophizing and rumination contribute to both the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Therefore, in the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms, catastrophizing and rumination need to be targeted and positive reappraisal needs to be increased.