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Post-traumatic stress disorder and coping after a natural disaster
1Department of Psychiatry, Withington Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Coping strategies may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) onset after disasters. Contrary to expectations, using all coping methods was associated with PTSD, suggesting coping manages distress and adversity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Disaster Mental Health
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern following traumatic events.
- Coping mechanisms are crucial in moderating the psychological impact of adversity.
- Previous research often links effective coping to reduced PTSD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between coping strategies and the development of PTSD.
- To examine coping in a non-clinical population exposed to natural disaster.
- To challenge existing assumptions about the protective role of coping in PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Survey methodology was employed to assess coping strategies and PTSD symptoms.
- A non-patient sample exposed to a natural disaster was studied.
- Statistical analyses examined the relationship between coping and PTSD diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The use of all coping strategies was significantly associated with the presence of PTSD.
- This finding contrasts with studies suggesting coping prevents PTSD.
- Coping appeared to be related to managing distress and environmental challenges.
Conclusions:
- Coping behaviors may not always be indicative of resilience or symptom absence.
- The findings suggest coping serves to manage distress and adversity, even when PTSD is present.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex role of coping in trauma recovery.