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Classifying the torture experiences of refugees living in the United States

Original Publication Date: May 15, 2015
Last Updated: March 13, 2023
Estimated Read Time: < 1 minute

Hooberman J, Rosenfeld B, Lhewa D, Rasmussen A, Keller A. Classifying the Torture Experiences of Refugees Living in the United States. Journal Of Interpersonal Violence [serial online]. January 2007;22(1):108-123. Available from: EBSCO MegaFILE, Ipswich, MA.

Abstract:

Few research studies have systematically categorized the types of torture experienced around the world. The purpose of this study is to categorize the diverse traumatic events that are defined as torture, and determine how these torture types relate to demographics and symptom presentation. Data for 325 individuals were obtained through a retrospective review of records from the Bellevue/NYU for Survivors of Torture. A factor analysis generated a model with five factors corresponding to witnessing torture of others, torture of family members, physical beating, rape/sexual assault, and deprivation/passive torture. These factors were significantly correlated with a number of demographic variables (sex, education, and region of origin). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms were significantly correlated with the rape factor but no other factors were uniquely associated with psychological distress. The results offer insight into the nature of torture and differences in responses.

Available for purchase through PubMed.gov: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17151382

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