Relationship among Maltreatment Factors, PTSD Symptoms and Coping Strategies

Abstract

There are hoisted rates of infancy abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in abused females of shelter homes and old age homes. The current research intends to investigate the association among maltreatment factors, PTSD symptomatology and coping strategies. A survey research design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 150 participants, selected through purposive sampling technique. Childhood trauma questionnaire (Bernstein & Fink 1998), Davidson trauma scales (Davidson, 2003) and Brief cope scale (Carver, 1997) was used to assess the maltreatment factors, PTSD symptoms and coping strategies respectively. Descriptive statistics, correlation, One way ANOVA and Independent sample t-test were used to examine the data. Results recommended significant relationship among maltreatment factors and PTSD symptomatology. Findings demonstrated a positive correlation between coping strategies and maltreatment factors. Results also indicated significant differences in relation to marital status, qualification, residence, area, and organizations. These findings postulated that childhood maltreatment is associated with the psychological disorder of PTSD symptomatology of re – experiencing, avoidance or numbness and hyper-arousal and the maltreated women must use coping strategies after the abusive and neglected behavior. Findings suggest that child maltreatment is a predisposing feature for undesirable health effects in subsequent life and that coping strategies are critical components in this relationship. Suggestions for clinicians, medicinal experts, and specialists are examined.