Posttraumatic stress disorder in Canadian aircraft accident survivors

The incidence rate of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional problems in Canadian civil aircraft accident survivors was determined 5 years post accident via a mail survey. Seventy-five percent of survivors receiving the survey responded. The assessment of PTSD was based on the American Psychiatric Association definition and an expanded version of Horowitz's 1979 Impact of Event Scale. The sample consisted of 305 males and 25 females, of whom there were 261 pilots and 69 passengers. Results showed an overall PTSD incidence rate of 14.5%, and rates for males of 13.1%, females of 32%, pilots of 12.3%, and passengers of 23.2%.;Explanations for group differences were offered in terms of Janis' stress inoculation theory (1949) and cultural values. Relationship of PTSD incidence rates to such variables as pilot experience, injuries, personal injuries, fatalities, fear, danger, current fear, and age were examined.;Treatment rates for various groups were very low and possible explanations were offered. This research confirmed that PTSD theory and much of PTSD research with other populations applies to the aircraft accident survivor populations. Implications for researchers, survivors, the aviation industry, federal and provincial governments, and psychologists were suggested.