| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 心理學研究所 === 89 === Posttraumatic Stress Reaction of Adolescents After the Chi-Chi Earthquake:
Gender and Exposure Effect Analysis
Abstract
This study investigated post-traumatic stress reactions in adolescents (13 to 15years) from two heavily impacted townships in Central Taiwan near one year after the Taiwan Chi-Chi Earthquake. An integrative conceptual model, containing 4 factors, i.e., exposure level, personal characteristics, personality and personal vulnerability, was used to examine the contribution of multiple risk factors in predicting post-traumatic stress reactions. One year after the earthquake, 1,173 adolescents were assessed using the modified Earthquake Exposure Index, UCLA PTSD INDEX for DSM-IV (adolescents version), Psychosomatic Scale, and Self Efficacy Scale. The results reveal that one year after the Chi-Chi earthquake, adolescents from Central Taiwan continuingly reported some PTSD and psychosomatic symptoms. Those who experienced higher level of exposure reported more post-traumatic stress reactions. Personal injury, perception of threat, and separation with parents after the Earthquake are important exposure variables, and accounted for significant portion of variances of PTSD and psychosomatic symptoms. At the symptom level, female reported more re-experience and avoidance symptoms than males, but male reported no less numbness symptoms. Multiple regression analyses show that exposure, gender, age, self-efficacy, and previous traumatic experiences accounted for 23% and 25% of the variances of PTSD and psychosomatic symptom, respectively. Self-efficacy and previous traumatic experiences are more powerful than exposure in predicting chronic post-traumatic stress reactions. Based on the findings, constituents of PTSD, nature of the disasters, exposure and gender effects, research designs and methodological considerations, as well as future research in the line of trauma study for adolescents were discussed. Clinical applications were also addressed.
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