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Exposure to Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology Among Abortion Clinic Workers

NCJ Number
204522
Journal
Journal of Traumatic Stress Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: April 1999 Pages: 227-242
Author(s)
Kevin M. Fitzpatrick; Michele Wilson
Date Published
April 1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between exposure to abortion clinic violence and reporting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among abortion clinic employees.
Abstract
Previous research has documented the psychological consequences associated with exposure to violence. Both acute and chronic exposure to violence has been associated with different types of mental health disorders, such as PTSD. Violence in the workplace has recently become a major concern for employers and employees. However, there is little research regarding the prevalence of workplace violence and its mental health effects on employees. In an effort to add to the literature concerning the effects of workplace violence on employees, the authors focused on abortion clinics because of the widespread violence associated with these clinics and because there is a general absence of knowledge about exposure to violence among abortion clinic workers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 71 abortion clinic employees from 8 clinics in one Southeastern State. Demographic and work history information was taken and the following scales were used to probe the effects of violence exposure: the Life Events Scale, the Victimization Scale, the Witnessing Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Scale. Results of statistical analyses indicated that abortion clinic workers experienced moderate forms of violence and witnessed great variety and numbers of violent acts. Twenty-one percent of the participants reported symptoms of PTSD. The relationship between witnessing violence at an abortion clinic and experiencing symptoms of PTSD remained even after controlling for significant life circumstances and stressors outside of the clinic setting. The results of this study provide some preliminary indication of the importance of assessing PTSD symptomatology among employees in high stress working environments. Limitations of the study include its small sample size which makes generalizations problematic. Tables, references

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