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Recurrent trauma: Holocaust survivors cope with aging and cancer

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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The current study aims to determine whether elderly Holocaust survivors are affected differently from non-survivors by the adversity of aging and cancer.

Method

Holocaust survivors and non-survivors suffering from cancer, were assessed tapping PTSD, psychiatric symptomatology, psychosocial adjustment to illness and coping with the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Results

Findings indicate a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors in post-traumatic symptoms and their intensity, survivors endorsing significantly more PTSD symptoms. Survivors were classified into 3 sub-groups, namely “Victims,” “Fighters,” and “Those who made it”. “Victims” reported the highest percentage of persons who met PTSD, psychiatric symptomatology and difficulty coping with the problems of old age.

Conclusions

The diversity of responses points to heterogeneity of long-term adaptation and adjustment among Holocaust survivors and similar response to subsequent adversity.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Grants [19992010 and 980062c] from the Israel Cancer Association.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tel-Hai Academic College, Tel-Hai (Upper Galilee), 12210, Israel

    Shira Hantman PhD

  2. Adler Research Centre for Child Welfare and Protection, The Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Zahava Solomon PhD

Authors
  1. Shira Hantman PhD
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  2. Zahava Solomon PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shira Hantman PhD.

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Hantman, S., Solomon, Z. Recurrent trauma: Holocaust survivors cope with aging and cancer. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 42, 396–402 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-007-0177-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-007-0177-0

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