Peritraumatic dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals exposed to armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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Date

2019-04-08

Authors

Masika, Yvonne Duagani
Leys, Christophe
Matonda-Ma-Nzuzi, Thierry
Blanchette, Isabelle
Mampunza Ma Miezi, Samuel
Kornreich, Charles

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the hypothesis that there is an association between peritraumatic dissociation (PD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals exposed to recurrent armed conflict. More specifically, we sought to evaluate whether PD differentially predicts PTSD according to the degree of exposure to the potentially traumatic event (PTE), the level of education, and gender. A total of 120 individuals between 17 and 75 years of age, including 51women, completed the Traumatic Events List, the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire, and the French version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale, as well as a questionnaire providing information regarding sociodemographic details. The group of participants with high scores for PD had significantly more PTSD. PD differentially predicts PTSD depending on the level of education and gender of the individual. Those who had been physically assaulted and raped, as well as the less educated, were more likely to be dissociated during PTEĀ· exposure compared to witnesses and those with a higher level of education. The primary target population for prevention and early management should comprise individuals with high levels of PD, low levels of education, and women.

Description

13 pages

Keywords

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), armed conflict, peritraumatic dissociation, gender, education

Citation

Yvonne Duagani Masika, Christophe Leys, Thierry Matonda-Ma-Nzuzi, Isabelle Blanchette, Samuel Mampunza Ma Miezi & Charles Kornreich (2019) Peritraumatic dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals exposed to armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20:5, 582-593, DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2019.1597814