Impact of Terrorism on Mental Health

Objective: To find out the impact of terrorism on mental health and behavioral patterns of men and women. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in Islamabad (capital city of Pakistan) over a period of one month in September – October 2011. Study Design: It was a cross sectional survey. Materials Methods: The main study sample comprised of equal number of male and females (25 males and 25 females). Their age ranging from 22 to 60 and their education level was Bachelors to PhD level. The target population belonged to various professions like doctors, engineers, lawyers, students (Colleges and Universities) and others. Purposive sampling technique was used and data were collected with the help of questionnaire on : Concerns and Fears about Terrorism, Thinking and Talking about Terrorism, Measuring Attitudes about Terrorism, Mental Health Impacts of Terrorism, Behavioral Impacts of Terrorism and Effectiveness of Public Institutions. Participants were approached personally and their consent was taken before administration of questionnaires. T-test was computed to see the effects of terrorism on mental health and behavior patterns. Results: There was a significant difference shown by male and female included in the sample on Concerns about Threat of Terrorism (Mean score males = 8.00 and Mean score females = 8.48). Male and female showed a significant difference on Thinking and Talking about Terrorism. A significant difference among the attitudes of male and female was found. A non significant difference on the impacts of Terrorism on Mental Health was seen among male and female participants. Regarding Impacts of Terrorism on the behavior of males and females, a non significant difference was shown. Significant difference was seen in male and female on the Effectiveness of Public Institutions. Conclusion: The terrorist attacks significantly affect the mental health of the individuals. They became depressed, anxious and worried. These psychological feelings also affect their behavior.