There is an extensive literature exploring the effects of trauma, and the variables which moderate reactions following a stressful experience. Emotional responses can vary in response to numerous factors, and one area receiving increasing attention is that of coping. It has been acknowledged that there is an important relationship between how individuals cope and their psychological wellbeing following a trauma. Highly stressful experiences can impact on coping styles, and at times this can lead to maladaptive coping, exacerbating the original symptoms and potentially invoking additional difficulties. Existing coping styles also appear to impact on how individuals cope with events, possibly predicting future symptomatology. It is known that some populations, for example combat veterans, the homeless and refugees, experience a higher than average exposure to trauma, but less is known about they cope with these experiences. On the basis of this, this study aimed to investigate trauma and coping styles in street and hostel homeless adults, and additionally explore the relationship between coping and trauma symptomatology on the basis of existing research findings. It found that the street homeless reported more approach coping skills than those living in hostels, and this group also displayed higher levels of trauma symptomatology. Furthermore, it was shown that there is an association between avoidant coping and trauma, complex trauma and PTSD, supporting existing literature. Due to the cross-sectional design, causal associations could not be drawn, but the research gives suggestions for future research and potentially beneficial psychotherapeutic interventions for those who have experienced trauma, including homeless populations. 3.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:560818 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Akers-Douglas, Lara |
| Publisher | University of Southampton |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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