Estratégias de coping e sintomas emocionais, após um desastre aéreo

Abstract

Disasters are considered sudden and catastrophic events that impact directly and indirectly exposed victims. Despite this, some subjects do not adapt to the new reality and can trigger emotional symptoms corresponding to the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and stress. To deal with the situation, people use coping strategies, considered as cognitive and behavioral resources. However, it is understood that coping strategies and sociodemographic variables are configured as moderators of psychological responses. To increase this knowledge, two quantitative articles were carried out. The first one verified a predictive relationship of the sociodemographic characteristics on the emotional symptoms corresponding to the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and stress. The second evaluated the predictive relationship between coping strategies and emotional symptoms. The sample was composed of 194 victims, involved in the aerial disaster with the Chapecoense Football Association. The instruments used were: Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, Coping Strategies Inventory, Stress Scale Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. Overall, the results indicated that most participants did not present PTSD symptoms and exhibited normal symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It was also identified that the individual variables - female sex and direct relation with the tragedy - added the odds ratios in developing psychological problems. In addition, the coping strategies, especially those focused on emotion, presented a predictive relationship with the evaluated symptoms. The studies allowed important reflections on personal factors and coping resources, since these aspects may contribute to or hinder the coping process. Information is expected to improve psychotherapeutic interventions, providing better recovery during and after trauma of people exposed to similar situations.