Homicide as a Risk Factor for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Among Surviving Family Members

• NCJ Number: 130803
• Author(s): A Amick-McMullan; D G Kilpatrick; H S Resnick
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 31 pages
• Grant Number(s): 84-IJ-CX-0017
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: Medical University of South Carolina
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study drew a nationally representative sample to provide prevalence estimates of the number of American family survivors of homicide victims and to assess the extent to which survivors are at risk for developing homicide-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Abstract

Random-digit-dialing telephone survey methodology was used to screen a large, nationally representative sample (12,500) of the noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population to identify surviving family members and friends of victims of criminal homicide and alcohol-related vehicular homicide. A total of 9.3 percent of the national sample had lost a family member or friend to homicide. Immediate family survivors (206) completed an interview that assessed demographic characteristics and DSM-III-R criteria for homicide-related PTSD. The interview-participation rate was 84 percent. Among immediate family survivors, 23.3 percent developed PTSD at some point in their lifetimes, and 4.8 percent met full diagnostic criteria for PTSD during the preceding 6 months. Survivors of criminal and vehicular homicide victims were equally likely to develop PTSD. Survivors who experienced the homicide during their childhood, adolescence, or adulthood also showed equal likelihood of PTSD. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed. 4 tables and 29 references