1512 – Predictors Of Posttraumatic Growth In War Displaced Persons On The Territory Of Bosnia And Herzegovina

Abstract

Introduction

Researches indicate that traumatized people besides development of mental and physical disorders can experience positive changes.

Objective

Investigate relationships between war trauma, social support, psychological distress and posttraumatic growth.

Aim

Determine the predictors of posttraumatic growth in war displaced persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods

The test sample was composed of 71 refugees, who were due to war-related events been forced to leave the original residence, and their new residence is on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subjects were recruited by snowballing method, and the starting point of inclusion in the study were acquaintances of the medical staff at the Clinical Hospital Mostar. The study used General Demographic Questionnaire, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-version for BiH (HTQ), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Results

In the first predictive model (R2=0.053; F=4.889; P=0.030) that included BSI, HTQ and SS-A questionnaires, a linear regression analysis showed that a stronger social support leads to greater posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=0.257; P=0.030), same as greater sensitivity in interpersonal relationships (standardized β coefficient=0.698; P=0.014), while growth in the number of positive psychological symptoms have a negative impact on posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=-1.008; P=0.042). In the second predictive model (R2=0.043; F=1.226; P=0.299), of all demographic factors only the economic status was a significant predictor, where persons with stable economic status had greater posttraumatic growth (standardized β coefficient=0.337; P=0.040).

Conclusion

Social support is significant positive predictor of posttraumatic growth, which is also supported by sensitivity in interpersonal relationships.