Resource loss, resource gain, PTSD, and dissociation among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the loss and gain of resources, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation among Jewish Ethiopian immigrants in Israel following exposure to stressful events occurring pre-, peri-, and post-migration. Resources are defined as objects (e.g., housing), conditions (e.g., employment), personal (e.g., self-esteem), or energy (e.g., culture). A random sample (N=478) of three waves of immigrants participated in the research (N1=165; N2=169; N3=144). The data were collected in 2001. Age, loss and gain of resources, traumatic events peri-migration, post-migration difficulties, posttraumatic symptoms, and dissociation were assessed. The relationships between the variables were assessed with multiple hierarchical regressions predicting PTSD and dissociation with gain and loss of resources, over and above age, immigration wave, and trauma. A significant relationship was found between PTSD symptoms and loss of self-esteem resources (r=0.17 p<0.001), while dissociation was positively associated with gain of housing resources (r=0.20, p<0.001). Both PTSD and dissociation were predicted by younger age. The findings are discussed in light of the conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, ), of resource loss and gain among Ethiopian immigrants.