Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume 22, Issue 1, 2007, Pages 108-123

Classifying the torture experiences of refugees living in the United States (Article)

Hooberman J.B. , Rosenfeld B.* , Lhewa D. , Rasmussen A. , Keller A.
  • a Fordham University, United States
  • b Fordham University, United States, Department of Psychology, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, United States
  • c Boston University, United States
  • d Bellevue Hospital Program for Survivors of Torture Program, United States
  • e Bellevue Hospital Program for Survivors of Torture Program, United States

Abstract

Few research studies have systematically categorized the types of torture experienced around the world. The purpose of this study is to categorize the diverse traumatic events that are defined as torture, and determine how these torture types relate to demographics and symptom presentation. Data for 325 individuals were obtained through a retrospective review of records from the Bellevue/NYU for Survivors of Torture. A factor analysis generated a model with five factors corresponding to witnessing torture of others, torture of family members, physical beating, rape/sexual assault, and deprivation/passive torture. These factors were significantly correlated with a number of demographic variables (sex, education, and region of origin). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms were significantly correlated with the rape factor but no other factors were uniquely associated with psychological distress. The results offer insight into the nature of torture and differences in responses. © 2007 Sage Publications.

Author Keywords

Torture Refugee mental health factor analysis

Index Keywords

refugee psychological aspect Factor Analysis, Statistical human Refugees middle aged survivor Survivors Aged Medical Audit United States Humans classification Adolescent male female Article Retrospective Studies adult New York City retrospective study factorial analysis Torture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33751346363&doi=10.1177%2f0886260506294999&partnerID=40&md5=1c33ef769199ebb86e3384914db4ff5b
DOI: 10.1177/0886260506294999
ISSN: 08862605
Cited by: 31
Original Language: English