Research article summary (published 30 May 2002):

The relation of appraisal, coping efforts, and acuteness of trauma to PTS symptoms among former political prisoners.

Full Abstract

We examined how trauma-specific appraisals and coping efforts mediate between traumatic experiences, acuteness of trauma, and length of imprisonment and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) among 103 Palestinian former political prisoners. The findings provide support for both direct and mediated models of trauma. The acuteness of trauma (time since release), appraisal of prison experience as harmful and involving loss, and use of both emotion- and problem-focused coping efforts were associated with high levels of PTS symptoms. Torture and ill-treatment had a direct association with intrusion, and recent release from prison with avoidance symptoms. Acuteness of trauma turned out to be important in the coping and symptom association:
emotion-focused coping was associated with a low level of PTS symptoms in the long run, whereas problem-focused coping was associated with a low level of PTS symptoms in the short run.

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Author information

Author/s: Kanninen, Katri (K); Punamäki, Raija-Leena (RL); Qouta, Samir (S);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of traumatic stress (J Trauma Stress), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jun; vol 15 (issue 3) : pp 245-53

Dates: Created 2002/07/02; Completed 2002/12/13; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12092917, 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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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Adult Attitude to Health Emotions Humans Internal-External Control Life Change Events Male Middle Aged Middle East

Models, Psychological Politics Prisoners - psychology Problem Solving Questionnaires Severity of Illness Index Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - classification; etiology; psychology Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute - classification; etiology; psychology Time Factors Torture - psychology

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