DIFFERENTIAL-EFFECTS OF TRAUMA ON SPOUSES OF TRAUMATIZED HOUSEHOLDS

The responses of 60 households subjected to varying degrees of traumat ic events were examined. Specific attention was given to the different ial effect that traumatic events have on spouses, especially in terms of general anxiety, state anxiety trait anxiety, depression, and other symptoms related to trauma. The findings showed that degree of trauma tization was proportional to number and intensity of stress related sy mptoms. Mothers, however, manifested depression and anxiety levels twi ce as high as fathers. The validity of these results was discussed in terms of cultural beliefs and practices.