Posttraumatic Stress Among Syrian Refugees: Trauma Exposure Characteristics, Trauma Centrality, and Emotional Suppression

Abstract

Objectives: This study revisited the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and examined a hypothesized model describing the interrelationship between trauma exposure characteristics, trauma centrality, emotional suppression, PTSD, and psychiatric comorbidity among Syrian refugees. Methods: A total of 564 Syrian refugees participated in the study and completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Centrality of Event Scale, and Courtauld Emotional Control Scale. Results: Of the participants, 30% met the cutoff for PTSD. Trauma exposure characteristics (experiencing or witnessing horror and murder, kidnapping or disappearance of family members or friends) were associated with trauma centrality, which was associated with emotional suppression. Emotional suppression was associated with PTSD and psychiatric comorbid symptom severities. Suppression mediated the path between trauma centrality and distress outcomes. Conclusions: Almost one-third of refugees can develop PTSD and other psychiatric problems following exposure to traumatic events during war. A traumatized identity can develop, of which life-threatening experiences is a dominant feature, leading to suppression of depression with associated psychological distress.

Funding

The research reported in this article was funded by a grant from Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates.

Additional information

Funding

The research reported in this article was funded by a grant from Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates.

Notes on contributors

Man Cheung Chung

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

Mudar Shakra

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

Nowf AlQarni

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

Mariam AlMazrouei

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

Sara Al Mazrouei

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

Shurooq Al Hashimi

Man Cheung Chung, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Mudar Shakra, MLL, is affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Nowf AlQarni, BSc, Mariam AlMazrouei, BSc, Sara Al Mazrouei, BSc, and Shurooq Al Hashimi, BA, are affiliated with Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.