POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: PROTECTIVE AND RISK FACTORS IN 18 SURVIVORS OF A PLANE CRASH

The aim of this study is to identify protective and risk factors related to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) on a sample of survivors from a single plane crash. Eighteen survivors were examined 6 months following the event. The subjects allunderwent psychiatric interviews, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale structured interviews, personality and cognitive tests. Only 38.9% ofthem presented with all of the symptoms of PTSD; 22.2% showed no symptoms for PTSD; remaining survivors exhibited emotional/affectivesymptoms related to the event. In addition to the severity of the traumatic event itself, other risk factors identified were the loss of a relative,the manifestation of depressive symptoms, and the severity of physical injuries sustained. Low levels of hostility and high levels of self-efficacyrepresented protective factors against developing PTSD.