Crime-induced trauma and its implications on individual distress tolerance

• Main Authors: Caliboso, Clarice O., Hussin, Fadzma Ariadna M., Lee, Beatrice Anne P., Perez, Samantha Nicole S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Psychic trauma > Philippines; Victims of crimes > Psychology > Philippines; Distress (Psychology)
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/9804
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study examines the relationship between distress tolerance and experiences of trauma specifically through personal crimes, and whether the victims develop a lower or higher level of distress tolerance, as well as which facets of their life changed after the traumatic experience. Using a mixed methods design, the researchers had seventy-three participants, all having experienced a crime in the past three years, answer the distress tolerance scale by Simons and Gaher (2005). Thereafter, eight participants with low distress tolerance scores from the scale took part in an interview elaborating their experience, and their disposition before and after the crime. A frequency distribution table showed that more victims had lower levels of distress tolerance, compared to high levels of distress tolerance. The difference may not be significant possibly because of the individual's ability to develop personal coping mechanisms. In terms of biological sex, a regression analysis showed that sex was not a significant predictor for distress tolerance. Through a thematic coding analysis, the participants showed a pattern in their behavior prior to and after the crime such as calmness in stressful situations prior to the crime, and avoidance and guardedness after the crime. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that the different perceptions of therapy and professional help in the Philippines hinder individuals from properly addressing their mental health.