Robert Johnson - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Robert Johnson

Research paper thumbnail of Trajectories of resilience, resistance, and distress during ongoing terrorism: The …

Journal of consulting …, 2009

This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather tha... more This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather than ill-being) among a national sample under ongoing threat of mass casualty. The authors interviewed a nationally representative sample of Jews and Arabs in Israel (N ϭ 709) at 2 times during a period of terrorist and rocket attacks (2004 -2005). The resistance trajectory, exhibiting few or no symptoms of traumatic stress and depression at both time points, was substantially less common (22.1%) than has previously been documented in studies following single mass casualty events. The resilience trajectory, exhibiting initial symptoms and becoming relatively nonsymptomatic, was evidenced by 13.5% of interviewees. The chronic distress trajectory was documented among a majority of participants (54.0%), and a small proportion of persons were initially relatively symptom-free but became distressed (termed delayed distress trajectory; 10.3%). Less psychosocial resource loss and majority status (Jewish) were the most consistent predictors of resistance and resilience trajectories, followed by greater socioeconomic status, greater support from friends, and less report of posttraumatic growth.

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the 6th international conference on the Engineering of Sport, 10–14 July 2006, Olympic Hall, Munich, Germany

Sports Engineering, 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer -assisted instruction ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer -assisted instruction (MCAI), traditional instruction (TI), and mixed instruction (MI) methods on learning the skill of setting in Volleyball. Forty-eight middle school students of seventh and eighth grade were randomly assigned into three teaching method groups: TI, MCAI and MI. Each group received ten 40-min periods of instruction divided into 3 sections: a) 5 min warmup, b) 30-min main practice time and c) 5-min cool dawn and review. TI group participants experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by an instructor. The MCAI group experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by a multimedia program. The mixed group experienced the same procedure, practicing through the multimedia program as well as through traditional instruction. All students completed pre-, post-, and retention skill test. Two-way analysis of variances (ANOVA), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of method groups (TI, MCAI, MI) and measures (pre-test, post-test, re-test ) on skill test. Post-test results indicated no significant differences between the groups concerning the skill test. Retention test results showed that groups retained the skill learning. However, the mixed method of instruction tended to be the most effective for skill development.

Research paper thumbnail of The psychological impact of the Israel–Hezbollah War on Jews and Arabs in Israel: The impact of risk and resilience factors

Social Science & Medicine, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Are community studies of psychological trauma's impact accurate? A study among Jews and Palestinians

Psychological Assessment, 2011

We evaluated the accuracy of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) diagn... more We evaluated the accuracy of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) diagnoses using brief assessment instruments conducted by phone. PTSD and MD were assessed by telephone interview in a randomly selected sample of Jewish and Palestinian residents of Jerusalem during a period of marked threat of terrorism and war (N=150). We utilized the PTSD Symptom Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; . We then conducted in-depth, in-person interviews within two weeks, assessing PTSD and MD using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI; . The prevalence of PTSD and MD diagnosis ascertained by the two assessment modalities was similar. Indices of classification accuracy for the phone interview, using the in-person interview as the standard, ranged from modest to high. Brief phone and in-depth in-person measures of PTSD and MD also correlated similarly with other demographic, stress, and coping factors, suggesting convergent validity. Brief phone interviews appear useful for estimating the prevalence of

Research paper thumbnail of The psychological impact of impending forced settler disengagement in Gaza: trauma and posttraumatic growth

Journal of traumatic stress, 2008

The Israeli government's decision to remove settlers in the Gaza Strip forcibly produced a situat... more The Israeli government's decision to remove settlers in the Gaza Strip forcibly produced a situation of traumatic stress, resulting from confrontation and conflict for settlers. The authors examined the effects of the Gaza disengagement, that occurred following prolonged terrorist exposure, on rates of probable major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis in a representative sample of Gaza settlers (N = 190). Predictors of probable MDD in multivariate models were being female, and experiencing greater economic and psychosocial resource loss. Predictors of probable PTSD were being older and experiencing greater psychosocial resource loss. Posttraumatic growth was significantly related to a reduction in the odds of having probable PTSD. This latter finding is interpreted within our conceptualization of action-focused growth.

Research paper thumbnail of A nation's response to attack: Israelis' depressive reactions to the gulf war

Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1994

We examined Israelis' reactions to the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks. Four na... more We examined Israelis' reactions to the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks. Four national samples of Israelis (n = 3,204) were interviewed as to depressive mood on four occasions--prior to the Gulf Crisis, as the war approached, during the SCUD missile attacks, and after cessation of hostilities. There was an expected increase in depressive mood during the period of SCUD missile attacks and a quick return to base-line levels following the hostilities. Less educated and older individuals reported higher base-line levels of depressive mood and were at higher risk for clinical depression. Women and men did not differ in depressive mood before or after the SCUD missile attacks. However, women experienced a marked increase in depressive mood when the SCUD missile attacks occurred.

Research paper thumbnail of The association of exposure, risk, and resiliency factors with PTSD among Jews and Arabs exposed to repeated acts of terrorism in Israel

Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Safer Ski Jump Landing Surface Design Limits Normal Impact Velocity

Journal of ASTM International, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of The Defensive Nature of Benefit Finding During Ongoing Terrorism: An Examination of a National Sample of Israeli Jews

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2009

A study examining the effects of terrorism on a national sample of 1,136 Jewish adults was conduc... more A study examining the effects of terrorism on a national sample of 1,136 Jewish adults was conducted in Israel via telephone surveys, during the Second Intifada. The relationship between reports of positive changes occurring subsequent to terrorism exposure (i.e., Benefit finding), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, and negative outgroup attitudes toward Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) was examined. Benefit finding was related to greater PTSD symptom severity. Further, Benefit finding was related to greater threat perception of PCI and ethnic exclusionism of PCI. Findings were consistent with hypotheses derived from theories of outgroup bias and support the anxiety buffering role of social affiliation posited by terror management theory. This study suggests that benefit finding may be a defensive coping strategy when expressed under the conditions of ongoing terrorism and external threat.

Research paper thumbnail of Trajectories of resilience, resistance, and distress during ongoing terrorism: The case of Jews and Arabs in Israel

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2009

This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather tha... more This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather than ill-being) among a national sample under ongoing threat of mass casualty. The authors interviewed a nationally representative sample of Jews and Arabs in Israel (N ϭ 709) at 2 times during a period of terrorist and rocket attacks (2004 -2005). The resistance trajectory, exhibiting few or no symptoms of traumatic stress and depression at both time points, was substantially less common (22.1%) than has previously been documented in studies following single mass casualty events. The resilience trajectory, exhibiting initial symptoms and becoming relatively nonsymptomatic, was evidenced by 13.5% of interviewees. The chronic distress trajectory was documented among a majority of participants (54.0%), and a small proportion of persons were initially relatively symptom-free but became distressed (termed delayed distress trajectory; 10.3%). Less psychosocial resource loss and majority status (Jewish) were the most consistent predictors of resistance and resilience trajectories, followed by greater socioeconomic status, greater support from friends, and less report of posttraumatic growth.

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of perceived child physical and sexual abuse history on Native American women's psychological well-being and AIDS risk

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2002

The impact of perceived child abuse history on 160 adult, Native American women&a... more The impact of perceived child abuse history on 160 adult, Native American women's emotional well-being (i.e., depressive mood and anger) and AIDS risk was examined. How sense of mastery and social support might lead to women's greater resiliency was also investigated. Child physical-emotional abuse was found to have greater impact on depressive mood and anger and AIDS risk than did child sexual abuse. This finding was independent of current stress in women's lives. Women who were physically-emotionally abused as children had 5.14 times greater odds of having a sexually transmitted disease in their lifetimes than did women who experienced only marginal or no physical-emotional abuse. Moreover, consistent with the communal culture of Native Americans, social support was found to contribute more to resilience than sense mastery did. Reasons for the greater predictive power of child physical-emotional abuse compared with child sexual abuse in a growing number of studies are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Exposure to Terrorism, Stress-Related Mental Health Symptoms, and Coping Behaviors Among a Nationally Representative Sample in Israel

JAMA, 2003

To determine the level of exposure to terrorist attacks and the prevalence of traumatic stress-re... more To determine the level of exposure to terrorist attacks and the prevalence of traumatic stress-related (TSR) symptoms, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sense of safety after 19 months of terrorism in Israel, and to identify correlates of the psychological sequelae and the modes of coping with the terrorism.

Research paper thumbnail of Posttraumatic Growth: Action and Reaction

Applied Psychology-an International Review-psychologie Appliquee-revue Internationale, 2007

We respond to the commentators who raise several key issues. Points of agreement include the need... more We respond to the commentators who raise several key issues. Points of agreement include the need to incorporate several new concepts within the broader umbrella of posttraumatic growth (PTG), a need to understand more of the context under which PTG might have positive, negative, or limited influence, and a need to understand aspects of persons and populations who might use PTG in different ways. A major point of disagreement remains with the original formulation of PTG which poses PTG as a universally positive contribution to well-being, or even that it is beneficial in its own right. Illusion may have positive aspects, but we remain interested in the idea that it is most beneficial when translated into action. Some of these actions may be cognitive, but they should in such instances have lasting meaning for individuals’ lives. Too often, PTG represents the belief that one has grown in some deep way, without validation of that depth of experience.Il nous faut répondre aux commentateurs qui soulèvent plusieurs questions importantes. Les points d’accord concernent la nécessité d’introduire de nouveaux concepts sous la notion générale de développement post-traumatique (PTG), de mieux cerner les contextes où le PTG peut avoir une influence positive, négative ou limitée et d’évaluer les dimensions des personnes et des populations susceptibles d’exploiter le PTG de différentes façons. Le désaccord majeur porte sur la définition originelle du PTG qui implique que celui-ci contribue au bien-être de façon universellement positive, ou même qu’il est en lui-même source de bénéfices. L’illusion peut avoir des retombées positives, mais nous restons convaincus qu’elle est plus efficace quand elle s’investit dans l’action. Certaines de ces actions peuvent être d’ordre cognitif, mais elles doivent en ce cas revêtir une signification durable pour l’existence de l’individu. Trop souvent le PTG se résume à la conviction que l’on a mûri en profondeur sans qu’il y ait la moindre preuve de cette évolution profonde.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of posttraumatic stress-related impairment in victims of terrorism and ongoing conflict in Israel

Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of The Health Impact of Resolving Racial Disparities: An Analysis of US Mortality Data

American Journal of Public Health, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Costs As a Barrier to Intensive Health Behavior Counseling

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2010

Background: Although intensive health behavior counseling has been demonstrated to help patients ... more Background: Although intensive health behavior counseling has been demonstrated to help patients lose weight and quit smoking, many payers offer limited coverage for such counseling.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relative Importance of Patient-Reported Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2010

Background-Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are suboptimal. The most important barriers id... more Background-Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are suboptimal. The most important barriers identified by patients are poorly understood. A comprehensive assessment of barriers to all recommended modalities is needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Exposure to prolonged socio-political conflict and the risk of PTSD and depression among Palestinians

Psychiatry, 2010

Little is known about the impact of traumatic experiences and stressful life conditions on people... more Little is known about the impact of traumatic experiences and stressful life conditions on people in low-income countries who live in conditions of ongoing political violence. In order to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) among Palestinians subjected to chronic political violence and upheaval, we used a stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling strategy to interview a representative sample of 1,200 Palestinian adults living in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Prevalence of PTSD/MD for men living in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem was 25.4%/29.9%, 11.6%IT7.6%, and 16.1%/16.1%, respectively. For women, the prevalence of PTSD/MD was 23.8%/29.0%, 23.9%/28.9%, and 19.7%/27.6%. Among men, PTSD was significantly positively associated with age group, two or more incidences of political violence (compared to none), greater intrapersonal resource loss, and loss of faith in government. MD was positively associated with experiencing exposure to one, or two or more, incidences of political violence (compared to none), and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Among women, PTSD was positively associated with greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss, and MD was positively associated with death of a loved one, two or more socio-political Stressors (compared to none) previous to . the past year, one or more socio-political Stressors (compared to none) in the past year, and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Interpersonal and intrapersonal resource losses were consistently associated with PTSD and MD, suggesting potential targets for intervention and prevention efforts and thus provide important keys to treatment in areas of ongoing conflict.

Research paper thumbnail of Trajectories of resilience, resistance, and distress during ongoing terrorism: The …

Journal of consulting …, 2009

This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather tha... more This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather than ill-being) among a national sample under ongoing threat of mass casualty. The authors interviewed a nationally representative sample of Jews and Arabs in Israel (N ϭ 709) at 2 times during a period of terrorist and rocket attacks (2004 -2005). The resistance trajectory, exhibiting few or no symptoms of traumatic stress and depression at both time points, was substantially less common (22.1%) than has previously been documented in studies following single mass casualty events. The resilience trajectory, exhibiting initial symptoms and becoming relatively nonsymptomatic, was evidenced by 13.5% of interviewees. The chronic distress trajectory was documented among a majority of participants (54.0%), and a small proportion of persons were initially relatively symptom-free but became distressed (termed delayed distress trajectory; 10.3%). Less psychosocial resource loss and majority status (Jewish) were the most consistent predictors of resistance and resilience trajectories, followed by greater socioeconomic status, greater support from friends, and less report of posttraumatic growth.

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the 6th international conference on the Engineering of Sport, 10–14 July 2006, Olympic Hall, Munich, Germany

Sports Engineering, 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer -assisted instruction ... more The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer -assisted instruction (MCAI), traditional instruction (TI), and mixed instruction (MI) methods on learning the skill of setting in Volleyball. Forty-eight middle school students of seventh and eighth grade were randomly assigned into three teaching method groups: TI, MCAI and MI. Each group received ten 40-min periods of instruction divided into 3 sections: a) 5 min warmup, b) 30-min main practice time and c) 5-min cool dawn and review. TI group participants experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by an instructor. The MCAI group experienced the setting ability through a series of progressive skills accompanied with drill and repetition of practice presented by a multimedia program. The mixed group experienced the same procedure, practicing through the multimedia program as well as through traditional instruction. All students completed pre-, post-, and retention skill test. Two-way analysis of variances (ANOVA), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of method groups (TI, MCAI, MI) and measures (pre-test, post-test, re-test ) on skill test. Post-test results indicated no significant differences between the groups concerning the skill test. Retention test results showed that groups retained the skill learning. However, the mixed method of instruction tended to be the most effective for skill development.

Research paper thumbnail of The psychological impact of the Israel–Hezbollah War on Jews and Arabs in Israel: The impact of risk and resilience factors

Social Science & Medicine, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Are community studies of psychological trauma's impact accurate? A study among Jews and Palestinians

Psychological Assessment, 2011

We evaluated the accuracy of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) diagn... more We evaluated the accuracy of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) diagnoses using brief assessment instruments conducted by phone. PTSD and MD were assessed by telephone interview in a randomly selected sample of Jewish and Palestinian residents of Jerusalem during a period of marked threat of terrorism and war (N=150). We utilized the PTSD Symptom Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; . We then conducted in-depth, in-person interviews within two weeks, assessing PTSD and MD using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI; . The prevalence of PTSD and MD diagnosis ascertained by the two assessment modalities was similar. Indices of classification accuracy for the phone interview, using the in-person interview as the standard, ranged from modest to high. Brief phone and in-depth in-person measures of PTSD and MD also correlated similarly with other demographic, stress, and coping factors, suggesting convergent validity. Brief phone interviews appear useful for estimating the prevalence of

Research paper thumbnail of The psychological impact of impending forced settler disengagement in Gaza: trauma and posttraumatic growth

Journal of traumatic stress, 2008

The Israeli government's decision to remove settlers in the Gaza Strip forcibly produced a situat... more The Israeli government's decision to remove settlers in the Gaza Strip forcibly produced a situation of traumatic stress, resulting from confrontation and conflict for settlers. The authors examined the effects of the Gaza disengagement, that occurred following prolonged terrorist exposure, on rates of probable major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis in a representative sample of Gaza settlers (N = 190). Predictors of probable MDD in multivariate models were being female, and experiencing greater economic and psychosocial resource loss. Predictors of probable PTSD were being older and experiencing greater psychosocial resource loss. Posttraumatic growth was significantly related to a reduction in the odds of having probable PTSD. This latter finding is interpreted within our conceptualization of action-focused growth.

Research paper thumbnail of A nation's response to attack: Israelis' depressive reactions to the gulf war

Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1994

We examined Israelis' reactions to the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks. Four na... more We examined Israelis' reactions to the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks. Four national samples of Israelis (n = 3,204) were interviewed as to depressive mood on four occasions--prior to the Gulf Crisis, as the war approached, during the SCUD missile attacks, and after cessation of hostilities. There was an expected increase in depressive mood during the period of SCUD missile attacks and a quick return to base-line levels following the hostilities. Less educated and older individuals reported higher base-line levels of depressive mood and were at higher risk for clinical depression. Women and men did not differ in depressive mood before or after the SCUD missile attacks. However, women experienced a marked increase in depressive mood when the SCUD missile attacks occurred.

Research paper thumbnail of The association of exposure, risk, and resiliency factors with PTSD among Jews and Arabs exposed to repeated acts of terrorism in Israel

Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Safer Ski Jump Landing Surface Design Limits Normal Impact Velocity

Journal of ASTM International, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of The Defensive Nature of Benefit Finding During Ongoing Terrorism: An Examination of a National Sample of Israeli Jews

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2009

A study examining the effects of terrorism on a national sample of 1,136 Jewish adults was conduc... more A study examining the effects of terrorism on a national sample of 1,136 Jewish adults was conducted in Israel via telephone surveys, during the Second Intifada. The relationship between reports of positive changes occurring subsequent to terrorism exposure (i.e., Benefit finding), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, and negative outgroup attitudes toward Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) was examined. Benefit finding was related to greater PTSD symptom severity. Further, Benefit finding was related to greater threat perception of PCI and ethnic exclusionism of PCI. Findings were consistent with hypotheses derived from theories of outgroup bias and support the anxiety buffering role of social affiliation posited by terror management theory. This study suggests that benefit finding may be a defensive coping strategy when expressed under the conditions of ongoing terrorism and external threat.

Research paper thumbnail of Trajectories of resilience, resistance, and distress during ongoing terrorism: The case of Jews and Arabs in Israel

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2009

This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather tha... more This is the 1st longitudinal examination of trajectories of resilience and resistance (rather than ill-being) among a national sample under ongoing threat of mass casualty. The authors interviewed a nationally representative sample of Jews and Arabs in Israel (N ϭ 709) at 2 times during a period of terrorist and rocket attacks (2004 -2005). The resistance trajectory, exhibiting few or no symptoms of traumatic stress and depression at both time points, was substantially less common (22.1%) than has previously been documented in studies following single mass casualty events. The resilience trajectory, exhibiting initial symptoms and becoming relatively nonsymptomatic, was evidenced by 13.5% of interviewees. The chronic distress trajectory was documented among a majority of participants (54.0%), and a small proportion of persons were initially relatively symptom-free but became distressed (termed delayed distress trajectory; 10.3%). Less psychosocial resource loss and majority status (Jewish) were the most consistent predictors of resistance and resilience trajectories, followed by greater socioeconomic status, greater support from friends, and less report of posttraumatic growth.

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of perceived child physical and sexual abuse history on Native American women's psychological well-being and AIDS risk

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2002

The impact of perceived child abuse history on 160 adult, Native American women&a... more The impact of perceived child abuse history on 160 adult, Native American women's emotional well-being (i.e., depressive mood and anger) and AIDS risk was examined. How sense of mastery and social support might lead to women's greater resiliency was also investigated. Child physical-emotional abuse was found to have greater impact on depressive mood and anger and AIDS risk than did child sexual abuse. This finding was independent of current stress in women's lives. Women who were physically-emotionally abused as children had 5.14 times greater odds of having a sexually transmitted disease in their lifetimes than did women who experienced only marginal or no physical-emotional abuse. Moreover, consistent with the communal culture of Native Americans, social support was found to contribute more to resilience than sense mastery did. Reasons for the greater predictive power of child physical-emotional abuse compared with child sexual abuse in a growing number of studies are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Exposure to Terrorism, Stress-Related Mental Health Symptoms, and Coping Behaviors Among a Nationally Representative Sample in Israel

JAMA, 2003

To determine the level of exposure to terrorist attacks and the prevalence of traumatic stress-re... more To determine the level of exposure to terrorist attacks and the prevalence of traumatic stress-related (TSR) symptoms, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sense of safety after 19 months of terrorism in Israel, and to identify correlates of the psychological sequelae and the modes of coping with the terrorism.

Research paper thumbnail of Posttraumatic Growth: Action and Reaction

Applied Psychology-an International Review-psychologie Appliquee-revue Internationale, 2007

We respond to the commentators who raise several key issues. Points of agreement include the need... more We respond to the commentators who raise several key issues. Points of agreement include the need to incorporate several new concepts within the broader umbrella of posttraumatic growth (PTG), a need to understand more of the context under which PTG might have positive, negative, or limited influence, and a need to understand aspects of persons and populations who might use PTG in different ways. A major point of disagreement remains with the original formulation of PTG which poses PTG as a universally positive contribution to well-being, or even that it is beneficial in its own right. Illusion may have positive aspects, but we remain interested in the idea that it is most beneficial when translated into action. Some of these actions may be cognitive, but they should in such instances have lasting meaning for individuals’ lives. Too often, PTG represents the belief that one has grown in some deep way, without validation of that depth of experience.Il nous faut répondre aux commentateurs qui soulèvent plusieurs questions importantes. Les points d’accord concernent la nécessité d’introduire de nouveaux concepts sous la notion générale de développement post-traumatique (PTG), de mieux cerner les contextes où le PTG peut avoir une influence positive, négative ou limitée et d’évaluer les dimensions des personnes et des populations susceptibles d’exploiter le PTG de différentes façons. Le désaccord majeur porte sur la définition originelle du PTG qui implique que celui-ci contribue au bien-être de façon universellement positive, ou même qu’il est en lui-même source de bénéfices. L’illusion peut avoir des retombées positives, mais nous restons convaincus qu’elle est plus efficace quand elle s’investit dans l’action. Certaines de ces actions peuvent être d’ordre cognitif, mais elles doivent en ce cas revêtir une signification durable pour l’existence de l’individu. Trop souvent le PTG se résume à la conviction que l’on a mûri en profondeur sans qu’il y ait la moindre preuve de cette évolution profonde.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of posttraumatic stress-related impairment in victims of terrorism and ongoing conflict in Israel

Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of The Health Impact of Resolving Racial Disparities: An Analysis of US Mortality Data

American Journal of Public Health, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Costs As a Barrier to Intensive Health Behavior Counseling

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2010

Background: Although intensive health behavior counseling has been demonstrated to help patients ... more Background: Although intensive health behavior counseling has been demonstrated to help patients lose weight and quit smoking, many payers offer limited coverage for such counseling.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relative Importance of Patient-Reported Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2010

Background-Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are suboptimal. The most important barriers id... more Background-Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are suboptimal. The most important barriers identified by patients are poorly understood. A comprehensive assessment of barriers to all recommended modalities is needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Exposure to prolonged socio-political conflict and the risk of PTSD and depression among Palestinians

Psychiatry, 2010

Little is known about the impact of traumatic experiences and stressful life conditions on people... more Little is known about the impact of traumatic experiences and stressful life conditions on people in low-income countries who live in conditions of ongoing political violence. In order to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) among Palestinians subjected to chronic political violence and upheaval, we used a stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling strategy to interview a representative sample of 1,200 Palestinian adults living in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Prevalence of PTSD/MD for men living in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem was 25.4%/29.9%, 11.6%IT7.6%, and 16.1%/16.1%, respectively. For women, the prevalence of PTSD/MD was 23.8%/29.0%, 23.9%/28.9%, and 19.7%/27.6%. Among men, PTSD was significantly positively associated with age group, two or more incidences of political violence (compared to none), greater intrapersonal resource loss, and loss of faith in government. MD was positively associated with experiencing exposure to one, or two or more, incidences of political violence (compared to none), and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Among women, PTSD was positively associated with greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss, and MD was positively associated with death of a loved one, two or more socio-political Stressors (compared to none) previous to . the past year, one or more socio-political Stressors (compared to none) in the past year, and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Interpersonal and intrapersonal resource losses were consistently associated with PTSD and MD, suggesting potential targets for intervention and prevention efforts and thus provide important keys to treatment in areas of ongoing conflict.