| The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a widespread psychological impact on New Yorkers and the United States (Schlenger et al., 2002). However, while levels of depression and post traumatic stress symptoms increased in Manhattan (Galea, Ahern et al., 2002; Galea, Resnick et al., 2002), research has shown that the impact was relatively short-lived (Bonanno, Galea, Bucciarelli, & Vlahov 2006; Boscarino, Adams, & Figley, 2004; Galea et al., 2003). This raises the question of the source of the resiliency of New Yorkers in the face of these traumatic circumstances. Recent studies (Bonanno, Rennicke, & Dekel, 2005; Fraley, Fazzari, Bonanno, & Dekel, 2006) have indicated that characteristics related to the quality of social relationship and social interactions were important in determining the psychological outcomes among survivors of the September 11th attacks, and the current study attempts to expand on this line of research.;In the present study, individuals who were in or near the World Trade Center at the time of the terrorist attacks were recruited to answer questionnaires assessing PTSD, depression, social integration and constraints against disclosure 7 months and 18 months after September 11th. Adult attachment style was also assessed by questionnaire at 7 months post-September 11 th. Results of the current study reveal a modest association between a secure attachment prototype and fewer constraints against disclosure. The study did not find any relationship between social integration and symptoms of PTSD and depression. Furthermore, constraints against disclosure did not mediate the relationship between attachment style and symptoms of PTSD and depression. Instead, each variable contributed uniquely to the differing levels of adaptation. |
