Prevalence of exposure to violence and PTSD symptoms in middle income undergraduate students representing three ethnic groups

Abstract

Previous research evaluating ethnic differences in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has suggested that ethnic minorities may be more likely to experience symptoms following traumatic stress. The literature has been unclear as to whether it is due to differences in frequency of traumatic stress, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics associated with being a minority. Two hundred and twenty-four undergraduate students representing 3 ethnic groups completed a questionnaire on experiences with interpersonal violence. Such experiences include direct victimization, witnessing, or hearing about life-threatening events (e.g., being mugged, forcible rape) and negative sexual experiences (e.g., sexual harassment). Students also completed rating scales assessing their current and lifetime levels of psychological adjustment. The incidence of interpersonal violence was quite high: 50% of the students reported at least one direct experience with lifethreat, and 25% reported at least one direct negative sexual experience. African-American students reported more life-threatening experiences and higher levels of psychological distress, regardless of SES. Our results suggest total number of life-threatening events is most directly related to psychological distress, and that African-American students are at higher risk for such events.