Body handlers after terrorism in Oklahoma City: predictors of posttraumatic stress and other symptoms

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms were assessed in 51 body handlers after Oklahoma City's 1995 terrorist bombing. Although many handlers were inexperienced and knew someone killed, symptoms were low postdisaster and decreased significantly after 1 year. Higher symptomatology and seeking mental health treatment correlated with increases in alcohol use and new physical problems but not with demographics, exposure, or experience. Four respondents with the highest posttraumatic stress symptoms at both time points reported high physical and alcohol use problems and mental health treatment use, suggesting that these should be carefully assessed in body handlers postdisaster. Coping techniques are described, as well as possible reasons for unexpected resilience in the majority.