Citation

Milam J, Ritt-Olson A, Tan S, Unger J, Nezami E. Traumatology 2005; 11(4): 233-246.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/153476560501100404

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Correlates of posttraumatic growth (PTG), the construing of benefits from a traumatic event, attributed to the September 11th terrorist attacks were examined among 513 middle school adolescents (mean age=13.5 years; 63% female; 44% Hispanic/Latino, 25% Asian, 16% White, 10% multiethnic/other, and 4% Persian; all residing in California). One-third of the participants, on average, reported experiencing positive changes post- 9/11 in the following areas: appreciation of life, life priorities, spirituality, relationships, and self-reliance. Hispanic and White, compared to Persian (largely Iranian), participants had significantly higher PTG scores.

DISCUSSION of the terrorist attacks, identification with a religion, and optimism were positively associated with PTG, while alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and anxiety were inversely associated with PTG. Ethnicity, discussion of the terrorist attacks, identification with a religion, optimism, anxiety, and alcohol use remained associated with PTG after adjusting for the other variables in a multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS suggest there are positive aspects of the psychological sequelae following the 9/11 attacks and these positive changes are associated with other salutary psychological and behavioral factors.

Language: en