Event-exposure stress, coping, and psychological distress among New York students at six months after 9/11

Abstract

This study examines if event-exposure stress has a significant effect on the latent mediating factors of problem-based coping, emotion-based coping, and intrinsic religious motivation, as well as on psychological distress. The study used a single-group correlational design. Data were collected from graduate social work students (N=642) in the New York metropolitan area six months after September 11, 2001. In a structural equation model, event-exposure stress was found to be positively related to problem-focused coping. The model also supported that event-exposure stress had a positive direct effect on psychological distress. While both forms of coping were positively related to levels of distress, higher levels of intrinsic religious motivation were related to lower levels of psychological distress. Professionals should provide guidance to help individuals reduce psychological distress by building upon different coping strategies to best fit the person and the situation.

Keywords:

• stress
• coping
• psychological distress
• terrorist attacks
• trauma
• World Trade Center attacks
• 9/11
• disasters

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Michael Phillips for his assistance with this research.