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Strough J, Parker AM, Ayer L, Parks V, Finucane ML. Aging and Emotional Well-Being After Disasters: Vulnerability and Resilience. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad099. [PMID: 37470357 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Climate change threatens well-being and has increased the prevalence of weather-related disasters. We investigated age differences in emotional well-being among adults who had experienced hurricane-related, unavoidable stressors. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) posits that age-related motivational shifts buffer older adults against psychological distress, whereas the strength and vulnerability integration model (SAVI) posits that unavoidable stressors are more detrimental to older adults' well-being compared to younger adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used existing self-report data from a life-span sample of adults (N = 618, M age = 58.44 years, standard deviation = 16.03, 18-96 years) who resided in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The sample was recruited in 2016 to examine the sequelae of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and contacted again after the 2017 and 2018 hurricane seasons. In 2016, participants reported their depression, anxiety, and trauma history. After the 2017-2018 hurricane seasons, participants reported their depression, post-traumatic stress, exposure to hurricane-related adversities, injuries and casualties, self-efficacy, and perceived health. RESULTS In line with SST, older age was associated with reporting significantly fewer depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, even after controlling for exposure to hurricane-related adversities, injuries and casualties, health, self-efficacy, pre-hurricane depression, anxiety, and trauma. The association between older age and fewer depression symptoms was stronger among those who experienced hurricane-related adversities compared to those who had not, in contrast to predictions based on SAVI. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We discuss the implications of age-related strengths in emotional well-being for policy and practice in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoNell Strough
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Longlong Z. Elements that associate with participants' psychological discomfort during simplified fire drills. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16635. [PMID: 37292349 PMCID: PMC10245232 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fire drills may reinforce the survival skills of participants on the one hand, and on the other hand, they might bring a certain amount of psychological discomfort. To identify elements associated with the psychological discomfort, a designed questionnaire was distributed to postgraduate students who had experienced fire drills in Islington (London) and 1640 valid responses were obtained. With the help of regression analysis, this research found that participants' awareness of precaution, individual initiative of participation, the personal judgement of simplified fire drills (SFDs), participation of SFDs, evaluation of SFDs' function in practical applications, and satisfaction with SFDs' performance are positively associated with participants' psychological discomfort, while the procedural arrangement of SFDs, time interval of joining in the last SFD, and the frequency of simplified fire drills experienced are negatively associated with participants' psychological discomfort. Moreover, personal awareness of precaution, individual initiative of participation, individual satisfaction with SFDs' performance, the time interval of joining in the last SFD, procedural arrangement of SFDs, and the frequency of simplified fire drills experienced could explain 30.02% of the variance in participants' psychological discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Longlong
- Renmin University of China, School of Philosophy, Beijing, China
- University College London, Department of Political Science, London, UK
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Lowe SM, Haugen PT, Rosen R, Werth AS. World Trade Center psychological exposures and trauma related disorders: PTSD and adjustment disorders. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2023:1-6. [PMID: 36927280 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2023.2188153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster and elevated rates of trauma related psychiatric illnesses in 9/11 responders and survivors has been well documented. This paper is part of a series to promote the practice of evidence-based medicine when managing persons with WTC-related conditions and focuses on "Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders," a diagnostic category that includes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder. It offers background on 9/11-related trauma exposure, a summary of research findings from this cohort, and is followed by brief diagnostic and treatment information from selected clinical practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Lowe
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- World Trade Center Health Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Clinical Center of Excellence, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter T Haugen
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosen
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aditi S Werth
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Maharaj R, Tineo K, Flores-Ortega M, Cordova DA, Iskhakova A, Linn R, Nikulina V. The association between COVID-19-related stressors and mental health outcomes for survivors of past interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022; 6:100300. [PMID: 37520402 PMCID: PMC9547392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The mental health difficulties of trauma survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic have been under-reported. This study explored the moderating role of trauma history and trauma type (interpersonal and non-interpersonal) in the association between COVID-19-related stressors and depression, anxiety, and stress. A sample of n = 321 participants ages 19 to 71 (M = 36.63, SD = 10.36) was recruited from across the United States through MTurk. Participants reported the number of COVID-19-related stressors, trauma history and psychological symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, and income levels, were used to determine (a) whether COVID-19-related stressors are associated with adverse mental health outcomes; (b) whether trauma history and (c) trauma type moderated this association. Results revealed significant interactions; for those with a trauma history, exposure to COVID-19-related stressors was associated with higher levels of depression (β = .21, p < .05) and anxiety (β = .19, p < .05). For those with a history of interpersonal trauma specifically, COVID-19-related stressors were associated with depression (β = .16, p < .05) more so than for those without a trauma history. These findings highlight the vulnerability of trauma survivors to the unprecedented COVID-19-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Maharaj
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Katherine Tineo
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Marisol Flores-Ortega
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Diego A Cordova
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Alexandra Iskhakova
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Rose Linn
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
| | - Valentina Nikulina
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, United States
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, United States
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5
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Weber H, Maihofer AX, Jaksic N, Bojic EF, Kucukalic S, Dzananovic ES, Uka AG, Hoxha B, Haxhibeqiri V, Haxhibeqiri S, Kravic N, Umihanic MM, Franc AC, Babic R, Pavlovic M, Mehmedbasic AB, Aukst-Margetic B, Kucukalic A, Marjanovic D, Babic D, Bozina N, Jakovljevic M, Sinanovic O, Avdibegović E, Agani F, Warrings B, Domschke K, Nievergelt CM, Deckert J, Dzubur-Kulenovic A, Erhardt A. Association of polygenic risk scores, traumatic life events and coping strategies with war-related PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity in the South Eastern Europe (SEE)-PTSD cohort. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:661-674. [PMID: 34837533 PMCID: PMC9188618 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by extremely stressful environmental events and characterized by high emotional distress, re-experiencing of trauma, avoidance and hypervigilance. The present study uses polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from the UK Biobank (UKBB) mega-cohort analysis as part of the PGC PTSD GWAS effort to determine the heritable basis of PTSD in the South Eastern Europe (SEE)-PTSD cohort. We further analyzed the relation between PRS and additional disease-related variables, such as number and intensity of life events, coping, sex and age at war on PTSD and CAPS as outcome variables. METHODS Association of PRS, number and intensity of life events, coping, sex and age on PTSD were calculated using logistic regression in a total of 321 subjects with current and remitted PTSD and 337 controls previously subjected to traumatic events but not having PTSD. In addition, PRS and other disease-related variables were tested for association with PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) by liner regression. To assess the relationship between the main outcomes PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, each of the examined variables was adjusted for all other PTSD related variables. RESULTS The categorical analysis showed significant polygenic risk in patients with remitted PTSD and the total sample, whereas no effects were found on symptom severity. Intensity of life events as well as the individual coping style were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis in both current and remitted cases. The dimensional analyses showed as association of war-related frequency of trauma with symptom severity, whereas the intensity of trauma yielded significant results independently of trauma timing in current PTSD. CONCLUSIONS The present PRS application in the SEE-PTSD cohort confirms modest but significant polygenic risk for PTSD diagnosis. Environmental factors, mainly the intensity of traumatic life events and negative coping strategies, yielded associations with PTSD both categorically and dimensionally with more significant p-values. This suggests that, at least in the present cohort of war-related trauma, the association of environmental factors and current individual coping strategies with PTSD psychopathology was stronger than the polygenic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Adam X Maihofer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nenad Jaksic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Elma Feric Bojic
- Department for Genetic and Biotechnology, International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sabina Kucukalic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Aferdita Goci Uka
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Blerina Hoxha
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Valdete Haxhibeqiri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Shpend Haxhibeqiri
- Institute of Kosovo Forensic Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Nermina Kravic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Ana Cima Franc
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Romana Babic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marko Pavlovic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | | | - Abdulah Kucukalic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Damir Marjanovic
- Department for Genetic and Biotechnology, International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Researches, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragan Babic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nada Bozina
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miro Jakovljevic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Osman Sinanovic
- Department of Neurology, University Clinical Center of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Esmina Avdibegović
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ferid Agani
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hasan Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bodo Warrings
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alma Dzubur-Kulenovic
- Department of Psychiatry, University Clinical Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Angelika Erhardt
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre of Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-University, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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Bonde JPE, Jensen JH, Smid GE, Flachs EM, Elklit A, Mors O, Videbech P. Time course of symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder with delayed expression: A systematic review. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 145:116-131. [PMID: 34523121 PMCID: PMC9293462 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the hypothesis that PTSD with delayed expression in some cases occurs without subthreshold PTSD symptoms above background levels bridging the gap between the traumatic exposure(s) and the clinical diagnosis. METHODS We performed systematic searches of peer-reviewed papers in English referenced in Pubmed, Embase, or PsycINFO and ascertained 34 prospective studies of PTSD symptom trajectories identified by latent class growth statistical modeling. Studies with delayed and low-stable trajectories provided appropriate data for this study. We computed the difference between the delayed trajectory PTSD symptom sumscore and the low-stable PTSD sumscore at the observed points in time after the traumatic event(s). RESULTS In 29 study populations, the latent class growth analyses displayed delayed trajectories, and in these, we identified 110 data points (% PTSD sumscore difference/months since traumatic exposure). The median PTSD symptom sumscore was 25% higher during the initial 6 months among individuals in the delayed trajectory compared to those in low-stable trajectory. From this level, the difference widened and reached a plateau of 40-50% higher. The variation was large, and the baseline participation rate and loss to follow-up were exceeding 25% in the majority of the studies. Heterogeneity of populations, measures, and analyses precluded formal meta-analysis. CONCLUSION Delayed PTSD is preceded by PTSD symptoms during the first year in most cases. Still, few individuals may experience an asymptomatic delay. The results underpin the rationale for monitoring PTSD symptoms and may inform forensic assessments in that delayed PTSD without symptoms bridging the traumatic event is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,Institute of Public HealthUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Johan Høy Jensen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalCopenhagenDenmark,Copenhagen Stress Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Geert E. Smid
- Department of Humanist Chaplaincy StudiesUniversity of Humanistic StudiesUtrechtthe Netherlands,ARQ National Psychotrauma CenterDiementhe Netherlands
| | - Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineBispebjerg and Frederiksberg HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ask Elklit
- Danish National Centre for PsychotraumatologyUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research UnitAarhus University Hospital – PsychiatryAarhusDenmark
| | - Poul Videbech
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Depression ResearchMental Health Centre Glostrup and Clinical InstituteUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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7
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Public health implications of multiple disaster exposures. Lancet Public Health 2022; 7:e274-e286. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yung J, Takemoto E, Cone J, Li J. Change in 9/11-related post-traumatic stress symptoms following cancer diagnosis. Psychooncology 2021; 31:717-724. [PMID: 34866274 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer can be a life-threatening stressor that may evoke pre-existing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We assessed change in 9/11-related PTSD symptoms following cancer diagnosis in a 9/11-exposed cohort, the World Trade Center Health Registry. METHODS We examined enrollees who had a first-time post-9/11 invasive cancer diagnosis and at least one pre- and two post-diagnosis 9/11-related PTSD assessments from enrolment through 2015. PTSD symptoms were measured using 17-item PTSD Checklist (PCL, range 17-85). Cancer was identified from New York State Cancer Registry and categorized as localized or advanced stage. We used piecewise spline linear mixed-effects models to examine rate of change in PCL scores from pre- to post-diagnosis periods, and whether the change differed by gender or stage, with time as fixed and random effects, adjusting for baseline age, race, and education. RESULTS 9/11-related PTSD symptoms were slightly increasing in the pre-diagnosis period, while this trend reversed in the post-diagnosis period (β: -0.38; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.15). This trend was driven by male rescue/recovery workers (RRW), among whom significant decrease in rate of change in PCL scores was observed for those with advanced stage (slope change difference [95% CI]: -1.81 [-2.73, -0.90]). No significant difference in rate of change was observed among non-RRW. Among females, PCL scores tended to decrease slightly, with no significant difference in rate of change between pre- and post-diagnosis periods. CONCLUSIONS We observed significant reduction in the rate of change in 9/11-related PTSD symptoms among male RRW. The underlying mechanism is unknown, necessitating future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Yung
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erin Takemoto
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, New York, USA
| | - James Cone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jiehui Li
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, New York, USA
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Schein J, Houle C, Urganus A, Cloutier M, Patterson-Lomba O, Wang Y, King S, Levinson W, Guérin A, Lefebvre P, Davis LL. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:2151-2161. [PMID: 34498953 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study synthesized evidence regarding the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States (US). METHODS A systematic literature review (SLR) identified recently published (2015-2019) observational studies of PTSD prevalence in the US via the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Eligible studies' most recent data were collected no earlier than 2013. Data elements extracted included study design, sample size, location, data source/year(s), study population(s), traumatic event type, prevalance estimates with corresponding look-back periods, and clinical metrics. RESULTS Data from 38 identified articles were categorized by population, diagnostic criteria, and lookback period. Among civilians, point prevalence ranged from 8.0% to 56.7%, 1-year prevalence from 2.3% to 9.1%, and lifetime prevalence from 3.4% to 26.9%. In military populations, point prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 87.5%, 1-year prevalence from 6.7% to 50.2%, and lifetime prevalence from 7.7% to 17.0%. Within these ranges, several estimates were derived from relatively high quality data; these articles are highlighted in the review. Prevalence was elevated in subpopulations including emergency responders, refugees, American Indian/Alaska Natives, individuals with heavy substance use, individuals with a past suicide attempt, trans-masculine individuals, and women with prior military sexual trauma. Female sex, lower income, younger age, and behavioral health conditions were identified as risk factors for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS PTSD prevalence estimates varied widely, partly due to different study designs, populations, and methodologies, and recent nationally representative estimates were lacking. Efforts to increase PTSD screening and improve disease awareness may allow for a better detection and management of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Schein
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yao Wang
- Analysis Group, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lori L Davis
- Tuscaloosa Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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10
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Gero K, Aida J, Shirai K, Kondo K, Kawachi I. Dispositional Optimism and Disaster Resilience: A natural experiment from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Soc Sci Med 2021; 273:113777. [PMID: 33639358 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dispositional optimism - the general belief that good things will happen - is considered a key asset for the preservation of mental health after a traumatic life event. However, it has been hypothesized that in extreme situations such as major disasters where positive expectations cannot overcome the grim reality on the ground, being optimistic might be a disadvantage. To test this mismatch hypothesis, this study explores whether higher pre-disaster dispositional optimism is associated with higher posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms among individuals who experienced the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. METHODS Information on optimism was collected from community-dwelling residents aged ≥65 years seven months before the 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami in Iwanuma, a Japanese city located 80-km from the epicenter. Data on disaster-related personal experiences (e.g., loss of relatives or friends/housing damage), as well as depressive and PTS symptoms, were collected during a follow-up survey in 2013, 2.5 years after the earthquake and tsunami. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the associations between disaster experiences, optimism, and depressive/PTS symptoms among 962 participants. RESULTS Higher pre-disaster dispositional optimism was associated with lower odds of developing depressive symptoms (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.95) and PTS symptoms (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.99) after the earthquake. Contrary to the mismatch hypothesis, high dispositional optimism buffered the adverse impact of housing damage on depressive symptoms (interaction term coefficient = -0.63, p = 0.0431), but not on PTS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the mismatch hypothesis, the results suggest that dispositional optimism is a resilience resource among survivors of a disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Gero
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA.
| | - Jun Aida
- Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kokoro Shirai
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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