Impact of the Worst School Experiences in Students: A Retrospective Study on Trauma

Author(s)

Paloma Pegolo de Albuquerque ^[1] ; Lucia C. A. Williams ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Paidéia; v. 25, n. 62, p. 343-351, 2015-12-00.

Abstract

AbstractThe literature indicates damage to students' mental health in cases of school violence. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the psychological impact of school victimization in university students, and to analyze the association between PTSD symptoms and variables related to school victimization. 691 University students responded to the Portuguese version of the Student Alienation and Trauma Survey (SATS). Clinically significant scores in the subscales ranged from 4.7% (somatic symptoms) to 20% (hypervigilance), with frequent symptoms described in the literature resulting from school victimization, such as depression, hopelessness, cognitive difficulties, and traumatic event recollection. Additionally, 7.8% of participants presented PTSD symptoms after suffering their "worst school experience". Associations were found between PTSD symptoms and the level of distress after the experience, as well as the perceived benefits after the event, and duration. The results confirm the potential detrimental effects of school victimization, and may be useful to further investigations on this topic. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/01379-5 - Trauma and victimization in school: a retrospective study with university students
• Grantee: Paloma Pegolo de Albuquerque
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate