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Quality of Life Research

Gepubliceerd in:

01-06-2012

Coping and emotional distress during acute hospitalization in older persons with earlier trauma: the case of Holocaust survivors

Auteurs: Lee Kimron, Miri Cohen

Gepubliceerd in: Quality of Life Research | Uitgave 5/2012

Abstract

Background

Older persons with earlier trauma are often more vulnerable to stresses of old age.

Aims

To examine the levels of emotional distress in relation to cognitive appraisal of acute hospitalization and coping strategies in Holocaust survivors compared with an age- and education-matched group of elderly persons without Holocaust experience.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 63 Holocaust survivors, 65 years and older, hospitalized for an acute illness, and 57 age-, education- and hospital unit-matched people without Holocaust experience. Participants completed appraisal and coping strategies (COPE) questionnaires, and the brief symptoms inventory (BSI-18).

Results

Holocaust survivors reported higher levels of emotional distress, appraised the hospitalization higher as a threat and lower as a challenge, and used more emotion-focused and less problem-focused or support-seeking coping strategies than the comparison group. Study variables explained 65% of the variance of emotional distress; significant predictors of emotional distress in the final regression model were not having a partner and more use of emotion-focused coping. The latter mediated the relation of group variable and challenge appraisal to emotional distress.

Conclusions

Health professionals must be aware of the potential impact of the hospital environment on the survivors of Holocaust as well as survivors of other trauma. Being sensitive to their specific needs may reduce the negative impact of hospitalization.

vorige artikel Common tongue conditions affect quality of life: an issue to be recognized

volgende artikel ADHD burden of illness in older adults: a life course perspective

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Titel: Coping and emotional distress during acute hospitalization in older persons with earlier trauma: the case of Holocaust survivors
Auteurs: Lee Kimron
Miri Cohen
Publicatiedatum: 01-06-2012
Uitgeverij: Springer Netherlands
Gepubliceerd in: Quality of Life Research / Uitgave 5/2012
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-011-9984-6

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