Abstract
Recent research proposes that left hemispheric lateralization (HL) may protect against the effects of life events on mental distress. This study extends these findings by examining the protective role of left HL in the relationship between war threat (missile exposure) and PTSD symptoms. A sample of 186 Israelis, exposed to missile attacks, completed brief scales of self-reported missile exposure, a subjective and a neuropsychological HL measure, and of PTSD symptoms. The sample was split into right HL and left HL individuals on both HL measures. Self-reported missile exposure was positively associated with PTSD symptoms in right HL, but not in left HL individuals on both HL measures. These results replicate, extend our previous results and suggest that left HL may even protect against the effects of severe life threatening events. Results are discussed in relation to neuropsychological and neurophysiological differences between the hemispheres.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-74 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Journal of Trauma and Dissociation |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- Hemispheric lateralization
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- war threat
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health