The Effects of Stress Coping Strategies in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors: An Explanatory Model of Post-Traumatic Stress

Abstract

The effect of the ways of coping (WOC) in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a stressing event common to a sample of 304 people (Chile, earthquake February, 27 2010) was determined through the application of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and the Davidson Scale of Trauma. The results show 4 significant Regression Multiple Linear models explaining the total and the 3 types of PTSD symptoms through WOC such as avoidance and problem solution. However, a first integrated model through structural equations did not attain good fit indexes. The study has been concluded with an alternative integrated model presenting very good adjustment indexes (CMIN/DF=.058, RMSEA=.000, NFI=.999, CFI=.999 and PNFI=.100). Finally, explanations based on neuroimages and covert conditioning are provided along with reflections on the prevention and prevalence of the PTSD.