| The terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th, 2001 subjected American citizens to high levels of traumatic stress, which included repeated exposure to unprecedented loss of life. Civil service first responders, by virtue of their involvement in rescue and recovery efforts, close and prolonged proximity to the epicenter of the attacks, and the deaths of close friends and co-workers, were among the most affected. Seven civil service first responders from New York City who were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero were interviewed and administered questionnaires measuring levels of posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth, and experiential avoidance. Results indicated a significant relationship between current posttraumatic stress-related symptoms and psychological inflexibility. Additionally, those with higher levels of posttraumatic stress were more easily able to recall specific traumatic memories about their experiences on September 11th, 2001. Although the number of participants was small, the results are promising and may have implications for future treatment of civil service first responders. |
