Image control and posttraumatic symptoms in children following SCUD missile attacks.
Based on previous studies reporting an association between high image control and low posttraumatic symptoms in adults exposed to a traumatic event, this study explored whether a high capacity for image control by children may serve as protective factor against the long-term effect of trauma. The sample consisted of 39 children displaced due to the destruction of their homes after the missile attack on Tel-Aviv during the Gulf War. Analysis confirmed the hypothesis that low scores on the Test of Visual Image Control were associated with specific posttraumatic symptoms but not with general ones.
Tel-Aviv Community Mental Health Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Yale Child Study Center, Israel. nlaor@netvision.net.il
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Laor
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Wolmer
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D007557:Israel; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008877:Middle East; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002666:Psychology, Child; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D014857:Warfare