Traumatic reactions as predictors of posttraumatic stress six months after the Oklahoma City bombing

Abstract

These results differ from those of other studies in which peritraumatic dissociation, or dissociation at the time of the event, was more predictive than anxiety for developing later distress. The results suggest that persons who experience significant anxiety at the time of the traumatic event may continue to experience distress. Those who are overly concerned about others' actions may be showing diminished interpersonal trust, evidence of terrorism's ability to erode social harmony.