The role of religious orientations in youth's posttraumatic symptoms after exposure to terror

J Relig Health. 2011 Sep;50(3):687-99. doi: 10.1007/s10943-009-9270-x. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of religiosity on youth's posttraumatic symptoms resulting from exposure to terror. Participants consisted of 1,973 Israeli high school students. Objective and subjective exposure (fear) to terror were positively associated with posttraumatic symptoms. Intrinsic religiosity was negatively associated with posttraumatic symptoms and found to decrease the effects of objective exposure. Personal extrinsic orientation and social extrinsic orientation were positively associated with posttraumatic symptoms, having no mediating effect. Theoretical implications regarding religiosity as a coping mechanism in light of exposure to terror are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Israel
  • Spirituality*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Terrorism / psychology*