Shame, guilt, time perspective, time of imprisonment and PTSD symptoms in sentenced motor vehicle accidents perpetrators - a preliminary report.

Dorota Merecz-Kot,Aleksandra Andysz,Agata Wężyk,Małgorzata Waszkowska

doi:10.12740/pp/113555

Abstract

The study aimed at exploration of a relationship between PTSD symptoms, traumarelated guilt (TRG), time perspective (TP), and guilt/shame proneness among perpetrators of motor vehicle accidents (MVA). We also analyzed relationships between length of imprisonment, PTSD and trauma-related guilt. The sample consisted of 37 incarcerated perpetrators of MVA. They were asked to fill in the set of questionnaires: Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, Guilt and Shame Proneness Inventory, Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory). The results showed that 50% of the perpetrators met the DSM-5 PTSD criteria. The proneness to guilt and shame positively correlated with the trauma-related guilt. Shame susceptibility as a consequence of negative self-esteem was associated with a greater traumarelated shame. There was no correlation between guilt/shame or trauma-related guilt and PTSD. The time perspective was associated with PTSD - the stronger the tendency of the respondents to focus on the present/past, the greater the symptoms of PTSD. Focusing on the hedonistic present positively correlated with guilt related to trauma. In the studied population, every second perpetrator of the accident was affected by PTSD, which was associated with the past and present time perspective. Negative assessment of self and behavior intensified the guilt associated with trauma and reduced the search for justification for one's own actions in external circumstances. Time spent in prison had no effect on moral attitudes or on the moral evaluation of one's own behavior that caused harm to others. However, it was associated with experiencing stress and focusing on one's own suffering.

Highlights

Acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a relatively common consequence of being involved in a road accident
Every second perpetrator of the accident was affected by PTSD, which was associated with the past and present time perspective
The above data are alarming, especially as ASD and PTSD are associated with cognitive impairment and symptoms of increased arousal, which significantly reduce the ability of drivers – road accident participants – to move safely in road traffic [3, 4]

Summary

Introduction

Acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a relatively common consequence of being involved in a road accident. Studies concerning the psychological effects of being involved in a road traffic accident are relatively common It should be noted, that our knowledge of the health effects of these events in perpetrators is limited. The terms perpetrator trauma and perpetration induced traumatic stress (PITS) [7] have been used for years, these terms refer to a situation in which the perpetrator intends to kill or hurt another person and this is either for personal reasons or for role fulfilment (e.g., participation in a war operation) These terms do not apply in the case of perpetrators of road accidents, because we cannot talk about the intentions to kill or hurt another person. The findings of the PITS study cannot be generalized to the population of road traffic accident perpetrators

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Discussion

Conclusion