Individual Differences in Vulnerability to Posttrauma Deprivation (From Who Gets PTSD? Issues of Posttraumatic Stress Vulnerability, P 33-49, 2006, John M. Violanti and Douglas Paton, eds. -- See NCJ-213445)

• NCJ Number: 213448
• Author(s): Jane Shakespeare-Finch
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter reviews recent literature that has examined how individual personality differences in emergency-service workers influence their vulnerability to negative outcomes following exposure to stressful job-related events.

Abstract

A study of 80 Vietnam veterans found that neuroticism--one of the factors in the Five-factor Model of Personality (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness)--accounted for the majority of variance in their experience of posttraumatic stress syndrome. A series of studies that examined posttrauma outcomes in emergency ambulance personnel produced similar results regarding the presence of neuroticism as a factor in posttrauma outcomes. Other studies have examined coping style as a significant factor in determining psychological outcomes from exposure to stressful events. One section of this chapter notes some of the more problematic coping strategies that research has identified as being linked to negative outcomes from exposure to stressful events. Individuals who have scored high on neuroticism tend to cope with stress with more venting of emotions, denial, less use of relationship resources, and emotional and behavioral disengagement. Positive coping styles include the pursuit of recreational activities, seeking social support in nonwork domains, and conscientious commitment to a rational examination of one's behavior and its effects. An emerging area of study is the influence of biological factors on reactions to stress, such as genetic factors related to alcohol abuse and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Other researchers have traced differences in risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder to prior experiences of and reactions to traumatic events. The chapter concludes with the recommendation that all organizations involved in emergency services should develop training and intervention programs that address the multiple factors which influence how diverse individuals may react to stressful events. 41 references