The existential effects of traumatic experiences: A survey of young adults

Mark Floyd, Carissima Coulon, Alejandro P. Yanez, Marcus T. Lasota

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the relation between exposure to trauma and attitudes toward existential issues. Participants were 504 undergraduate students (average age = 19.67) who answered questions on exposure to trauma, fear of death, overall distress, and meaning in life. Results indicated that those with a history of trauma exposure had higher levels of overall distress, but there were no differences in death anxiety or meaning in life. The results suggest that the positive outcomes (lessfear of death and increased meaning in life) associated with exposure to traumatic events may be relatively rare, especially amongst younger adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-63
Number of pages9
JournalDeath Studies
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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