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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Nursing
Notes
- Abstract:
- Older adults and older Holocaust survivors lived through World War II and experienced or witnessed devastating events. Over the years, some have coped well and demonstrated resilience, whereas others have continued to experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress. These individuals are once again confronted with a potential threat to their safety. In wake of the national trauma that occurred on September 11, 2001, (9/11) the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trait anxiety, sense of safety regarding terrorism, resilience, and psychological distress in the post 9/11 environment in two groups that are known to be at high risk for psychological distress; older adults and older Holocaust survivors. This was the first known research study to examine the sense of safety regarding terrorism in a non-clinical sample of female Holocaust survivors over the age of 80 utilizing a comparison sample when examining retraumatization in the United States. Knowledge gained from community-dwelling female older adults and older Holocaust survivors will assist nurses in developing specific interventions for individuals who are experiencing adverse reactions to the threat of terrorism. A comparative survey design was used for this study. Participants completed five instruments: a) researcher designed demographic tool, b) Resilience Scale, c) Trait Anxiety Inventory, d) Sense of Safety Regarding Terrorism Scale, and d) Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-33). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare groups, and multiple regression to assess the relationship of the predictor variables to psychological distress. The relative contributions of the predictors to posttraumatic symptomatology scores were as follows: a) the largest significant contributor was anxiety, b) followed by sense of safety, and c) survivor status. Resilience did not provide a significant contribution to posttraumatic symptomatology nor moderate the relationship between sense of safety and the outcome of psychological reaction. The findings indicated that older Holocaust survivors who had prior traumatic experiences, suffer more posttraumatic symptoms in the post 9/11 environment during the ongoing War on Terrorism than the comparison group without a Holocaust background.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2006.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-85).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Ann Rachel Lamet. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HV6432.7.L36 2006_LametAnne ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HV6432.7.L36 2006 ( lcc )
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