Abstract
This study focused on the effects of exposure to terrorist missile attacks on the physical and mental well being of chronic
pain patients. In this prospective and longitudinal design, 55 chronic pain patients treated at a specialty pain clinic completed
self-report questionnaires regarding their pain, depression and anxiety pre- and post a three week missile attack on the southern
region of Israel. In addition, levels of direct and indirect exposure to the attacks were measured. Results of regression
analyses showed that exposure to the attacks through the media predicted an increase in pain intensity and in the sensory
component of pain during the pre-post war period, but did not predict depression, anxiety or the affective component of pain.
These findings contribute to the understanding of the effects of terrorism on physical and emotional distress and identify
chronic pain patients as a vulnerable population requiring special attention during terrorism-related stress.
pain patients. In this prospective and longitudinal design, 55 chronic pain patients treated at a specialty pain clinic completed
self-report questionnaires regarding their pain, depression and anxiety pre- and post a three week missile attack on the southern
region of Israel. In addition, levels of direct and indirect exposure to the attacks were measured. Results of regression
analyses showed that exposure to the attacks through the media predicted an increase in pain intensity and in the sensory
component of pain during the pre-post war period, but did not predict depression, anxiety or the affective component of pain.
These findings contribute to the understanding of the effects of terrorism on physical and emotional distress and identify
chronic pain patients as a vulnerable population requiring special attention during terrorism-related stress.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-012-9313-4
- Authors
- Sheera F. Lerman, Department of Psychology, The Self and Health (SEALTH) Laboratory, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105 Israel
- Zvia Rudich, Division of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Soroka University Medical Center, P.O. Box 151, Beer-Sheva, 84101 Israel
- Golan Shahar, Department of Psychology, The Self and Health (SEALTH) Laboratory, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105 Israel
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583