Resumen de Prediction of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms via Comorbid Disorders and other Social and School Problems in Earthquake Exposed Turkish Adolescents
On May 3rd, 2003, a strong earthquake hit the eastern part of Turkey at 03:27 a.m. and lasted 20 seconds. It destroyed a regional boarding school killing 83 students and 1 teacher. Disaster-exposed children are at risk for a variety of mental health, social, and academic problems. This research was designed to investigate the extent of comorbidity among adolescent earthquake survivors. One hundred and ninety-one adolescents were given the Child Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index and the Behavior Assessment Systems one year after the earthquake. The adolescents were divided into PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) positive and non PTSD groups. Multivariate ANOVAs were then conducted to test group and gender differences on the BASC subscales. Correlation analysis revealed some significant associations between the CPTSD RI and BASC subscales. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to predict the contribution of each of the BASC SRP A subscales. Depression was the strongest contributor, accounting for 23% of the total variance. The Braunnext most significant contributing variable was atypicality, at 6%. This was followed by sensation-seeking, with a 4% variance. Finally, attitude to school added another 2% to the prediction for PTSD. These four variables, together, explained 35% of the variance in the CPTSD RI total score (r.585, r²=.35 p<.05). Those variables also correlated with the CPTSD RI subscales of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal. Cross- cultural implications were also discussed in reference to the disaster and other disorders
