title: Disaster survivors in their third decade: trajectories of initial stress responses and long-term course of mental health.
abstract: This study analyzed trajectories of initial stress and long-term mental health after the 1980 North Sea oil rig disaster. A growth-mixture model of the survivors' stress manifestations in the first 8 weeks (Posttraumatic Stress Scale, [PTSS-10]) and general mental health in 1980, 1981, 1985, and 2007 (General Health Questionnaire, [GHQ-20]) was estimated. Survivors' GHQ-scores in 1985 and 2007 were contrasted to those of a comparison group. Four trajectories were identified among survivors. The resilient (n = 43) displayed initially moderate stress that rapidly declined. The recovery (n = 10), chronic (n = 8), and relapse (n = 9) showed initially stable high stress scores, but the long-term mental health differed. Early screening may identify those at long-term risk.
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
authors: Katrine Høyer
authors: KH
authors: Holgersen
authors: Christian A
authors: CA
authors: Klöckner
authors: Hans Jakob
authors: HJ
authors: Boe
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Weisaeth
authors: Are
authors: A
authors: Holen