Thai Chu

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by Thai Chu Presented at UROP
Symposium, May 2005
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on a clear Tuesday morning in New York
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how do we address the shifting trend in
terrorism?

• Unconventional methods of attacks
• Deadlier and wider impact
• More civilians are targeted

• Insight into immediate reactions to traumatic
  events such as 9/11 is important
• Earlier detection of problem symptoms
• Helps modify health care practices to cater to
  different groups

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how are civilian populations involved?

• Potential role of public in managing acts of
  terrorism
• Compliance with emergency security measures
• Avoid socially/economically disruptive behavior
• Disseminating information

ULTIMATE GOAL TO MINIMIZE IMPACT BUT
How do we involve such a DIVERSE civilian
population?
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what we know

• Ethnic Differences in Responses to Traumatic
  Events
• Previous experience, values, and beliefs alter
  perceptions, reactions, and interpretations.
• Ethnic-exclusive factors serve as filters
  through which individuals interpret traumatic
  events (Walker Chestnut, 2003)

• Immediate Reactions and Long-Term Outcome
• Responses focusing in the past is associated
  with higher distress over time (Silver Holman,
  1998)

Ethnic Differences in Immediate Reactions to
Traumatic Events and Long-Term Outcome

(Insert My
Study ? HERE ? )

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what we dont know

• The current study examines
• Did different ethnic groups differ in their
  immediate responses
• Temporal Perspective (Past, Present, Future)
• Emotional Responses
• Do these differences provide any insight into
  long-term psychological health.
• Distress Level
• PTSD Symptoms
• Positive Affect

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what we need to know
Sub-Study I Research Question 1 How do the
immediate responses vary by ethnic groups?
Sub-Study II Research Question 2 Do the
variations in responses have long-term
implications?
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what was asked

• Completed on September 11, 2001 and following
  days after.
• Open Ended Survey Question
• If you would like, please share your perspective
  on the shocking events of today
• 1,559 respondents of which we also have
  longitudinal (follow-up) data

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who was asked
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what made it down the mountain
Developed a coding scheme
3. Acknowledge Victims i.e. I, We, They.
2. Emotions i.e. Shock, Anger, Disbelief.
1. Temporal Focus i.e. Past, Present, Future.
6. Other i.e. Patriotism, Religion, Turning
Point.
5. Predicted Outcome i.e.
Optimistic, Pessimistic.
4. Future Action i.e. Retaliate, Forgive, Other.
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the words to numbers factory
chuuu
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OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES
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and the results are in
African-Americans N.H./Whites Twice as
likely 40 more likely (than N.H./Whites)
(than other groups)
Temporal Focus
Past Present
Future
Past we were not prepared or ever thought
anything like this could happen on our
soil. Present we must pray for
everyone. Future hope that the perpetrators
will be caught and punished.
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and the results are in
Asian-Americans African-Americans 2.5x and
2.25x as likely (than N.H./Whites)
Emotions
Negative we are shocked and overwhelmed. Posi
tive I'm thankful to be alive.
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what we need to know
Sub-Study I Research Question 1 How do the
immediate responses vary by ethnic groups?
Sub-Study II Research Question 2 Do the
variations in responses have long-term
implications?
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what was measured
Psychological Health Following 9/11
3. Physical Health Problems
2. PTS Symptoms
1. General Distress
6. Life Satisfaction
5. Positive Affect
4. Disrupted Functioning
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and the results are in
Temporal Focus
African-Americans N.H/Whites
PTSD Symptoms plt.05 Physical Health
Problems plt.05
Past Present Future
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and the results are in
Emotions
Immediate Distress plt.05
Asians African-Americans
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what does it all mean?!

• Temporal Perception and Nature of Responses
• Cultural Values Influence Types of Reaction
• Cultural Values Mold Interpretation of Event

• Link to Long-Term Psychological Outcome
• Present Focus in Time associated with negative
  long-term consequences.
• Expressing emotions associated with greater
  immediate distress. Effect diminishes with time.

• Further Insight into what factors of Ethnicity,
  Gender, etc. contribute to groups differences in
  responses.
• 
  
• (Insert Future Studies ? HERE ? )
• 
  

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thank you
for everything
Best Deadline Maker Roxane Silver Ph.D.
Most Water Consumed Mark Seery Ph.D.
Best Shape up/Ship out Speech Valerie Jenness
Ph.D.
Camera Shy
for the fives and tens UROP
for the math Alison Holman Ph.D.
for the data Knowledge Networks
for damage control My SE Honors Peers
Ms. Congeniality Whitney Ence B.A. (June 2005)
Best Use of a Sneeze Sarah Roper-Coleman B.A.
for me My Parents
for nothing My Roommates
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