Psychological Outcomes Associated With Traumatic Loss in a Sample of Young Women

In order to further investigate the characteristics of traumatic loss, the authors compared structured clinical interviews & self-report measures among female undergraduates with: no history of trauma; a single physical assault as their only trauma; & a single violent loss (by suicide, homicide, or accident) as their only trauma. 16% of those reporting exposure to traumatic death had lost a friend or loved one to suicide. Traumatic loss was associated with high levels of intrusion & re-experiencing symptoms & high rates of acute stress disorder. (46 refs)