Journal of Traumatic Stress
Volume 25, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 71-78

Dealing with man-made trauma: The relationship between coping style, posttraumatic stress, and quality of life in resettled, traumatized refugees in the Netherlands (Article)

Huijts I. , Kleijn W.C. , van Emmerik A.A.P. , Noordhof A. , Smith A.J.M.*
  • a Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Arq Research Program, Foundation Centrum '45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands
  • c Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • e Arq Research Program, Foundation Centrum '45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between coping style, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and quality of life in traumatized refugees (N = 335). Participants had resettled in the Netherlands on average 13 years prior and were referred to a Dutch clinic for the treatment of posttraumatic psychopathology resulting from persecution, war, and violence. The majority (85%) of the research sample met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Path analysis suggested a model in which PTSD symptoms (β = -61, p < .001), social support seeking (β = .12, p < .05), and emotion-focused coping (β = .13, p < .01) have a direct effect on quality of life. The role of avoidant and problem-focused coping could be interpreted in 2 ways. Either these coping styles are influenced by PTSD severity and have no effect on quality of life, or these coping styles influence PTSD severity and therefore have an indirect effect on quality of life. Intervention strategies aimed at modifying coping strategies and decreasing PTSD symptoms could be important in improving the quality of life of traumatized refugees. © 2012 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Netherlands refugee psychological aspect human Refugees middle aged Adaptation, Psychological quality of life Young Adult Humans male female adaptive behavior questionnaire Article Questionnaires adult posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857315143&doi=10.1002%2fjts.21665&partnerID=40&md5=fac38ac4fa9d8dd2b765a5fb6f7e4208
DOI: 10.1002/jts.21665
ISSN: 08949867
Cited by: 32
Original Language: English