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.