Predictors of posttraumatic stress-related impairment in victims of terrorism and ongoing conflict in Israel.
The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported impairment (Criterion F) as part of a probable DSM-IV diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within a sample of 1001 Israeli Jews subjected to direct and indirect exposure to rocket attacks. Further, the present study aimed to investigate predictors of endorsing posttraumatic stress (PTS)-related impairment, with specific attention to the influence of resources and resource loss. Data were collected via phone surveys. Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported impairment; however, only 19% of those reporting impairment met criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression results indicated that psychosocial resource losses, experiencing personal injury or injury to a family member or close friend, experiencing other major life stressors in the past year, having poorer health, having significant sleep difficulty, and having traditional (moderate) religious practices, significantly predicted PTS-related impairment. Results suggest that addressing impairment only within the context of full PTSD misses many individuals experiencing significant PTS-related impairment.
Chipman
Katie J
KJ
Department of Psychiatry, Kent State-Summa Health System Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress, St. Thomas Hospital, Akron, OH 44310, USA. kjhorsey@gmail.com
Palmieri
Patrick A
PA
Canetti
Daphna
D
Johnson
Robert J
RJ
Hobfoll
Stevan E
SE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult