Journal of Positive Psychology
Volume 2, Issue 1, 2007, Pages 55-65

Postraumatic symptoms and growth of Kosovar war refugees: The influence of hope and cognitive coping (Article)

Ai A.L.* , Tice T.N. , Whitsett D.D. , Ishisaka T. , Chim M.
  • a University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • b University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • c University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • d University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • e University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Research on war trauma has been dominated by a pathological focus for decades. Researchers have now counterbalanced studies of trauma with a new focus, positive changes following crisis. This prospective study examines how specific psychological factors might influence post-war adaptive outcomes (the coexistence of posttraumatic growth [PTG] and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) in a sample of 50 Kosovar war refugees. Individual differences in positive attitude and coping strategies were explored. Hope assessed during resettlement, and cognitive coping strategies, employed between resettlement and follow-up, were associated with PTG, controlling for war-related trauma and baseline symptoms. PTG and symptoms were unrelated. No predictors for present symptoms were identified. Future mental health practice with refugees should address both positive and negative aspects.

Author Keywords

posttraumatic growth coping strategies Mental health posttraumatic stress disorder Kosovar war refugees PTG PTSD Hope

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34248551092&doi=10.1080%2f17439760601069341&partnerID=40&md5=43561b5b3102de82a2d17bfd29f06cf5
DOI: 10.1080/17439760601069341
ISSN: 17439760
Cited by: 35
Original Language: English