Assignment 5: Data Analysis, Findings and Conclusion

Assignment 5: Data Analysis, Findings and Conclusion

PART I: Data Analysis and Findings

Article 1

Ahmadizadeha, M. J. Ahmadib, K. Eskandaria, H, Falsafinejada, M. R. Borjalia, A. Anisib, J. Teimoorib, M. (2010), Improvement in quality of life after exposure therapy, problem solving and combined therapy in chronic war-related post traumatic stress disorder: Exposure therapy, problem solving and combined therapy in war-related PTSD. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 5, 262-266.

Statistical Testing

In this study, researchers evaluated the efficacy of problem solving in improving Quality of life of 60 Iranian veterans after Iran- Iraq war. Patients were evaluated by SF-36 Questionnaire during post-intervention and follow-up measurements. Post-test test was applied for problem solving to determine the differentials in cognitive-behavioral treatments with respect to symptoms of PTSD and depression. Researchers in this empirical research used multiple groups pre- and post- test study. Quality of life questionnaire (QLQ) or SF-36 and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) instruments was used in this research. Data was analyzed statistically using Scores of SF36 and GSI in pre-test, post-test and follow-up measurement.

Level of Measurement

In order to conduct pre-test and post-test study, it must be ensured that participants are not influenced by ant other external factor that may create changes in the overall results of the study. Level of measurement essential for this study should be using 95% confidence interval for determining the effective applicability of exposure therapy in PTSD case.

Major Findings

Research finding showed that problem solving approach alone is effective in treatment of PTSD in veterans (considering GSI scores). Nevertheless, problem solving seems to have more persistent effects after 3-month evaluation. Regarding adjustment ability, it was observed that applied approach could improve SF-36 scores. This is consistent with other studies which employed problem solving method as therapeutic approach and implies that assisting patients in finding better solution for their problems is a crucial principle. Findings of this study are consistent with previous works which offered problem solving approaches as effective treatments for PTSD patients.

Article 2

Cislera, J. M. Amstadtera, A. B. Beglea, A. M. Resnicka, H. S. Danielsona, C. K. Saundersa, B. E. Kilpatricka, D. G. (2011), A prospective examination of the relationships between PTSD, exposure to assaultive violence, and cigarette smoking among a national sample of adolescents. Addictive Behaviors, 36(10), 994-1000.

Statistical Testing

In this study, researchers evaluated the data using chi-square and logistics regression. Logistic regression is appropriate to use when data also include nominal variables along with scale variables that help in categorizing the data results in terms of success and failure rate. The qualitative study has been used in the research study because the topic of the focus on the effectiveness of exposure therapy for treating PTSD patients.

Level of Measurement

Level of measurement essential for this study should be using 95% confidence interval for determining the results implication of exposure therapy in curing PTSD problems.

Major Findings

This research showed that rates of PTSD are high immediately following domestic violence or rape. In about half of these cases, symptoms gradually improve in a few ...