An inquiry into post-traumatic stress disorder and child abuse among Salvadoran refugees: The after-effects of war

This study examined the prevalence with which Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurred among Salvadoran refugees and whether such stress was a factor that was related to abusing their children. Two groups of Salvadorian refugees (child abuse perpetrators, n = 15; non-perpetrators, n = 15) were administered a demographic questionnaire, the Hispanic Stress Inventory, and the Civilian Mississippi Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. An open-ended interview was also conducted. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between the groups on Immigration Stress, Marital Stress, Parental Stress, Occupational/Economic Stress, and Family/Culture Stress, despite the fact that the linear combination of these variables significantly differentiated the groups. Stress scores for both groups were within the normal range. Child abusers were found, however, to have significantly more symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder than non-abusers. Qualitative analyses indicated a gender influence in revealing traumatic experiences in that no males volunteered traumatic experiences. These findings are discussed in light of the relevant literature and directions for future research are offered.