Long-term effects of trauma: post-traumatic stress among civilian internees of the Japanese during World War II.
This study examined predictors and health-related effects of post-traumatic stress among 129 civilian internees of the Japanese during World War II. Post-traumatic stress disorder was noted in 36.7% within the 6 months after their release and in 15.0% within the most recent 6 months. Women were more likely than men to indicate post-traumatic stress disorder within the 6 months after their release. Higher incomes were associated with lower levels of post-traumatic stress within the most recent 6 months. After controlling for demographic and internment-related factors, higher levels of post-traumatic stress were associated with poorer physical health. This association was stronger among older internees than among their younger counterparts. Implications of the findings for clinical gerontology are discussed.
Potts
M K
MK
Department of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach 90840-0902.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003209:Concentration Camps; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014857:Warfare