Keywords

postconflict, widows, COR theory, posttraumatic stress, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we applied conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll, 1989) to explain high rates of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among war- and disaster-affected Tamil widows in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. We hypothesized exposure to potentially traumatic events and severity of current contextual problems would influence PTSS and depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through loss of psychological (view of self), environmental (sense of community), and energy (physical health) resources. Method: Trained research assistants interviewed a convenience sample (N = 381) of women, using established measures of the constructs of interest. Data were analyzed using path analysis in MPlus. The significance of the indirect effects was tested using bootstrapping. Results: The model had an acceptable fit (x􏰁2 = 4.06, df 􏰀= 1, p Conclusion: Results support the utility of COR theory in this context and hold implications for research and program development.

Original Publication Citation

Lambert, J. E., Witting, A. B., James, S., Ponnamperuma, L., & Wickrama, T. (2019). Toward understanding posttraumatic stress and depression among trauma-affected widows in Sri Lanka. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(5), 551–558.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018-05-07

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6858

Publisher

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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