مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) SYMPTOMS, COPING STYLES AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG SURVIVORS OF THE DECEMBER 26TH 2004 MALAYSIAN TSUNAMI DISASTER

Author/Authors :

Subramaniam, Ponnusamy Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Allied Health Sciences - Health Psychology Unit, Malaysia , Ying, Chin Hak Royal Malaysian Police Headquarter, Malaysia , Ghazali, Shazli Ezzat Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Allied Health Sciences - Health Psychology Unit, Malaysia , Sinniah, Aishvarya Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Department of Psychiatry, Malaysia , Mahadevan, Raynuha Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Department of Psychiatry, Malaysia

Abstract :

Objective: This study examined the symptoms of PTSD among survivors of the December 26th 2004 Malaysian tsunami disaster, as well as differences among sexes in terms of coping styles and availability of social support. Methods: A total of 64 (28 males and 36 females) respondents from several affected districts of Kuala Muda and Langkawi in Kedah and Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang were recruited through purposive sampling. The Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS) was used to measure the posttraumatic stress disorder/symptoms, while the Social Support Questionnaire and Significant Others Scale (Form A) were used to measure the quality and quantity of social support. The COPE Questionnaire was used to measure two coping styles; adaptive and maladaptive coping. Results: Fifty two (81%) respondents did not fulfill the DAPS-PTSD criteria while only 12 (19%) fulfilled the criteria. There was no significant difference between men and women in terms of posttraumatic stress-total, and the quantity and quality of social support. However, there is a significant difference in adaptive and maladaptive coping styles among victims who fulfill the PTSD diagnosis and those who did not. It was also found that there is no relationship between PTSD symptoms and emotional support, whereas there is a significant relationship between PTSD symptoms and practical support. Conclusion: This research showed that only a small number of respondents fulfilled the diagnosis of PTSD following their experience of a disaster. There were no difference between genders in terms of PTSD symptoms and social support. Among victims who fulfill the PTSD diagnosis and those who do not, there is a significant difference in the adaptive and maladaptive coping styles. As for the relationship between PTSD symptoms and social support, there is a significant relationship between PTSD symptoms and practical support but not with emotional support