Abstract
A series of sniper attacks in the Washington, DC, area left 10 people dead and three wounded. The authors examined the relationship of sniper-related television (TV) viewing, identification with victims, and peritraumatic dissociation to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Participants were 1,238 DC residents (ages 18-90, M = 41.7; 51 percent female; 68 percent White) who completed an online survey including items assessing identification, amount of TV, peritraumatic dissociation, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Identification was measured by assessing to what extent participants identified victims as similar to themselves, a friend, or a family member. Peritraumatic dissociation and post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed with the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire and Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Relationships of TV viewing, identification, and peritraumatic dissociation to post-traumatic stress symptoms were examined by univariable and multivariable regressions and variable interactions. Female gender and higher levels of TV viewing, identification, and peritraumatic dissociation were each related to greater post-traumatic stress symptoms. After adjusting for gender and the predictor variables, higher TV viewing was associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms (B = 0.72, p < 0.01, ΔR2 =0.05). Participants with greater identification (B = 0.85, p < 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.08) and peritraumatic dissociation (B = 1.58, p < 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.39) reported more post-traumatic stress symptoms. Among those with both high (B = 1.19, p < 0.001) and low TV viewing, identification was associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Among those reporting low TV viewing, this association was greater for those who experienced more peritraumatic dissociation (B = -0.09, p < 0.001). Trauma-related TV viewing, which may stimulate identification and peritraumatic dissociation, is an important consideration in understanding development of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.