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| Research article summary (published 30 May 2003): |
Individual differences in post-traumatic stress following post-intimate stalking: stalking severity and psychosocial variables.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Stalking can have a major psychosocial impact on its victims. Accumulating evidence suggests frequent post-traumatic stress (PTS) reactions. The present study aimed to detail the affective and cognitive responses following post-intimate stalking, and to assess the associations between stalking severity, person-related psychosocial variables and symptoms of PTS.
DESIGN:
Female members (N = 131) of a Dutch nation-wide support group were contacted by mail and completed questionnaires pertaining to their stalking history, Big Five personality traits, coping, social support, as well as PTS reactions and symptoms.
METHOD:
The Traumatic Constellation Identification Scale was used to elucidate emotional and cognitive responses to post-intimate stalking. To assess the associations between stalking severity indices, person-related psychosocial variables and PTS, a regression analysis was conducted using the Impact of Events Scale as a dependent variable.
RESULTS:
Affective reactions included affective liability, fear, shame and loss. Associated maladaptive beliefs included decreased trust, increased alienation and isolation, and attributions of self-blame. Indices of stalking severity accounted for 22% of the PTS variance, with stalking violence being the most potent predictor. Another 8% of PTS variance was associated with a passive coping reaction and (lower) openness to experience.
CONCLUSION:
PTS following stalking was associated with both stressor-related and person-related variables. Risk factors for PTS included severe stalking including violence and passive coping. Prolonged post-intimate stalking may lead to personality adaptation (i.e. becoming more closed, cautious and reserved).
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Author information
Author/s: Kamphuis, Jan H (JH); Emmelkamp, Paul M G (PM); Bartak, Anna (A);
Affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. kp_kamphuis(-atsign-)macmail.psy.uva.nl
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article
Journal: The British journal of clinical psychology / the British Psychological Society (Br J Clin Psychol), published in England. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2003-Jun; vol 42 (issue Pt 2) : pp 145-56
Dates: Created 2003/06/27; Completed 2003/10/17; Revised 2004/11/17;
PMID: 12828804, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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