Nature of torture, PTSD, and somatic symptoms among political ex-prisoners

Journal of Traumatic Stress
Raija-Leena PunamäkiEyad El Sarraj

Abstract

The authors examined how different types of torture methods are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatic symptoms among political ex-prisoners. Participants were 275 Palestinian men who reported their experiences in detention and imprisonment, PTSD (the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire), and somatic symptoms. A principal component analysis revealed physical torture, psychological torture, sensory discomfort and deprivation, and beatings as dimensions of exposure to torture. Both physical and psychological torture methods were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, especially when combined. Psychological torture was also associated with increased somatic symptoms. The results are discussed in relation to their contribution to the current debate on the nature and definition of torture.

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Citations

Feb 20, 2014·Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health·Bengt B ArnetzJudith E Arnetz
Oct 30, 2013·The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry·Cindy A Sousa
Jan 20, 2016·Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health·A Michelle WrightJudith E Arnetz
Jun 11, 2015·Journal of Traumatic Stress·Clea McNeelyMohammed Abu Mallouh
May 6, 2016·International Journal of Psychology : Journal International De Psychologie·Hyunjung ChoiHwa-Young Lee
Nov 9, 2014·Journal of Interpersonal Violence·Ali GhaddarZeinab Abboud
Oct 4, 2016·Medical Humanities·Lesley Henderson, Simon Carter
Sep 29, 2020·The International Journal of Social Psychiatry·Joseph El-KhouryAndres Barkil-Oteo

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