Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Those with PTSD often exhibit emotional numbness and social withdrawal that markedly diminish the enjoyment of interpersonal relationships. Gender differences are also seen in rate of PTSD, symptomology, and perceptions of social support. While it has been proposed that PTSD-related symptoms can be better managed through positive, supportive, social interactions, most research has generally focused on post-traumatic risk factors during the development of PTSD and then attempted to compare affected individuals to a control group. The present study examines specific risk factors in a homogenous group who grew up under similar economic circumstances and lived within the same geographic area. The goals of this study were three-fold. The primary goal was to examine gender differences in individuals with PTSD and related symptoms within a low-income high-risk neighborhood longitudinal study. The second goal was to determine, within the same homogenous group, what impact gender, PTSD, traumatic stress reactions, education, and race/ethnicity had on perceptions of social support. The third goal was to determine any differences in perceived social support by gender and ethnicity. The data for the study was obtained from Project in Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods and focused on Cohort 15 at Wave 3 of the study. Chi Square Test of Independence found no association between gender and PTSD; however, the percentage of those diagnosed with the disorder (4.7%) is consistent with those diagnosed with PTSD in a 12 month period. Findings from multiple linear regression revealed that the combined effect of the independent variables (gender, ethnicity, PTSD diagnosis, and traumatic stress reactions) on perceived social support via the Provision of Social Relations (PSR) was not statistically significant. However, the grouped variables did account for 15.9% of the total variance. A one-way test of between subjects ANOVA revealed a significant difference between males and females on the friends dimension of the PSR, suggesting males perception of social support from friends is greater than females. There was also a significant difference between ethnicities (Asian, Black, Hispanic, White, and Other) on the friends dimension of the PSR. Blacks had the highest mean (M = 11.15) followed by Hispanics (M = 10.8). Whites (M = 9.95) and Asians (M = 9.0) had similar means.

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