GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENTS EXPERIENCING VICARIOUS TRAUMA

Abstract

Objective: The present study explored gender differences in adolescents experiencing vicarious trauma due to indirect exposure to violence.  Vicarious trauma manifests in moderate symptoms of PTSD and it was assumed that girls will be experiencing more symptoms than boys.

Research Design: Comparative study

Place and duration of Study: Karachi

Sample and Method: A purposive sample of 1074 students with ages 14-17 years was selected from government and private schools in a metropolitan city. The Events Exposure Questionnaire, designed by the researcher obtained relevant information; and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (Weiss & Marmar, 1997) was administered with modifications to time frame.

Results: Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v20. Percentages, independent samples t-test and Cohen’s d was obtained.  A higher percentage of girls than boys reported moderate symptoms of vicarious trauma. Furthermore, significant scores were found for girls on the intrusion subscale and total score of the IES-R; 19% of the effect is explained by Cohen’s d.

Conclusion: The hypothesis is supported and a strong cultural trend of gender differences is confirmed.