title: Self-worth mediates the effects of violent loss on PTSD symptoms.
abstract: Although research has confirmed that violent losses can exacerbate grief reactions, few investigations have explored underlying mechanisms. In this study, the authors used a dataset on bereaved spouses and bereaved parents at 4- and 18-months postloss to examine the mediating effects of self-worth and worldviews (benevolence and meaningfulness beliefs). Persons bereaved by violent causes had significantly more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and depression symptoms at 4- and 18-months postloss than persons bereaved by natural causes. Moreover, self-worth but not worldviews mediated the effects of violent loss on PTSD and depression symptoms cross sectionally and PTSD symptoms longitudinally. Findings underscore that self-views are a critical component of problematic reactions to violent loss, but fail to support the role of "shattered" worldviews.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Pace University, Marks Hall, Room 33, 861 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570, USA. amancini@pace.edu
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Prati
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Black
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001601:Bereavement; D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*