The Effect of Traumatic Events on Social Behavior of University Students

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The present study aims at measuring the effect of traumatic events on social behavior among university students.
 Methodology: Purposive sample of n=200 students was selected from various universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Impact of events scale-revised (Weiss, 2007), and Texas social behavior inventory (Helmreich & Stapp, 1974) were used to measure study variables. Pearson correlation was carried out to explore correlations. Further, the prediction was checked through regression analysis. Additional analysis includes a t-test to check gender differences.
 Main Findings: Significant differences were found in adolescents as compared to young adults on the scale of the traumatic events. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between traumatic events (intrusion, avoidance, and hyper-arousal) and social behavior (i.e., self-esteem). Further multiple regression analysis showed that traumatic events were a significant negative predictor of social behavior as traumatic events harm an individual’s social behavior. Additionally, the t-test indicated non-significant gender differences.
 Applications of this study: These research results have implications in academic settings, clinical and counseling. And it helps to improve overall social behavior at the individual level, which ultimately serves to ensure a better community and sound environment.
 Originality/Uniqueness of present investigation: An empirical investigation of the phenomenon observed among human participants' natural behavior with no manipulation.