Citation

Nuttman-Shwartz O, Dekel R. J. Trauma. Stress 2009; 22(6): 667-670.

Affiliation

Department of Social Work, Sapir College, D.N. Hof Ashkelon, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jts.20463

PMID

19908323

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of ways of coping and sense of belonging to stress responses among students in a conflict zone. Students at a college situated in an area exposed to continuous threat were divided according to their place of residence: locations inside and outside of the conflict zone. Rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was similar to rates in previous studies conducted among Israelis who had been exposed to terror. Acceptance as a way of coping and sense of belonging contributed to reducing PTSD symptoms, whereas use of alcohol and seeking support contributed to increasing stress responses. The discussion examines the results in light of the literature on ways of coping and sense of belonging in the face of continuous threat.

Language: en