Risk Factors for DSM 5 PTSD Symptoms in Israeli Civilians During the Gaza War

Abstract

Background: In light of the current modifications presented in the diagnostic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the DSM 5, this study aimed at revalidating well-known PTSD risk factors, including gender, peritraumatic dissociation, social support, level of threat, and trait tendency for forgiveness. Method: Five hundred and one Israeli civilians were assessed during real-time exposure to missile and rocket fire at the eruption of the Gaza war. Assessments took place approximately one to 2 weeks after the beginning of this military operation, relying on web administration of the study, which allowed simultaneous data collection from respondents in the three regions in Israel that were under attack. Results: A structural equation model design revealed that higher levels of forgiveness toward situations were associated with fewer PTSD symptoms, whereas peritraumatic dissociation and high levels of objective and subjective threat were positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Additionally, females were at higher risk for PTSD symptoms than males. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide further evidence for the importance of directing preventive attention to those vulnerable to the development of elevated levels of PTSD symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Risk factors for DSM–5 posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among Israeli civilians during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war.

“…Posttraumatic stress symptoms. DSM-5 PSTD Symptom Levels Scale (PSLS; Gil, Weinberg, Or-Chen, & Harel, 2015). ASD (t1) and PTSS (t2) were evaluated by a questionnaire compiled by the authors, corresponding fully with the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) criteria for PTSD (see the Appendix).…”

“…In light of current modifications in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM–5 ) diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this study aimed to revalidate well-known PTSD risk factors related to terrorism and war in Israel, namely, proximity to the Gaza Strip, dissociative symptoms, acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms, and social support. One hundred and sixty Israeli civilians were assessed during the 2014 Israel–Hamas war at 2 time points: 1 week after the beginning of the operation (t1) and 1 month after initial evaluation (t2), using the DSM–5 PTSD Symptom Levels Scale (PSLS; Gil, Weinberg, Or-Chen, & Harel, 2015). A paired t test analysis showed significant reduction in the respondents’ posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) 1 month after the initial assessment point.…”

Lessons From Analyzing the Medical Costs of Civilian Terror Victims: Planning Resources Allocation for a New Era of Confrontations

“…This long‐term support is another safety option for patients suffering from recurring stress or PTSD. The medical support for terror casualties never ends …”

Civilian Military Security Coordinators Coping with Frequent Traumatic Events: Spirituality, Community Resilience, and Emotional Distress

“…PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Symptom Levels Scale (PSL) questionnaire compiled by Gil and colleagues [ 32 ]. The PSL was originally developed in the local language.…”