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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Angela M. Bucciarelli, MPH¹, George A. Bonnano, PhD², David Vlahov, PhD¹, and Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH³. (1) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-419-3583, abucciarelli@nyam.org, (2) Department of Clinical Psychology, Teachers College-Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, box 218, New York, NY 10027, (3) Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1214 South University, Room 243, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Research about the consequences of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTE) has focused almost exclusively on the adverse psychological sequelae [(e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)] of these events; there has been very little research on psychological resilience to these events (or the absence of trauma symptoms). Understanding psychological resilience to PTEs may help us understand how best to mitigate the consequences of individual or mass PTE exposure. We used data from a random digit dial (RDD) survey of residents (N=2,752) of the New York City metropolitan area conducted 6 months after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. For the purpose of this study we defined resilience as persons who had 0 or 1 post-traumatic stress symptoms. Overall, 6.0% of the total sample met criteria for PTSD, particularly when exposure to the attacks were high (prevalence was 48.3% among persons who were directly exposed to the attacks). However, 65.1% of the total sample met criteria for resilience. In multivariable models, resilience was more prevalent in men (p=<0.0001), older age groups (55 or older, p=<0.0001), Asian ethnicity (p=0.009), married respondents (p=0.04). In addition, respondents categorized as resilient reported have less traumatic life stressors before and after the attacks (p<0.0001), less involved in support groups (p=0.03), having more social support available to them (p=0.02), and having less diagnosed chronic illnesses (p=0.0002). A greater understanding of the determinants of resilience could help guide both the development of innovative interventions and the allocation of resources following exposure to PTE and disasters.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Compare and contrast numerous sociodemographic predictors of psychological resilience found in the World Trade Center cohort.
• Discuss differences found in adverse psychological sequelae and lack there of.
• Apply such findings to develop mental health/counseling programs for individuals that experience disaster-related trauma.

Keywords: Mental Health, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation