THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA ON WORLD VIEWS

The impact of diverse traumas on world views was assessed with a commu nity sample (N = 3,617) interviewed in 1986 and 1989. Four types of wo rld views were examined including fatalism, justice, vulnerability, an d self-view. Types of trauma included the death of a spouse, parent, o r child, job loss, life-threatening illness, and physical assault. Ove rall, fatalism and justice were not greatly affected by trauma. Percep tions of vulnerability and self-view were significantly altered for al l subjects who had experienced any type of trauma.