Impact of terrorist attacks on social relationships

Abstract

Background People that experience a trauma might also experience problems in their social relationships. However, how witnessing a terrorist attack influences social relationships is still understudied. This is important, as currently, there is more focus on the individual's mental health and not on how this mental health can impact the individual's social relations. In this study, the impact of the experience of a terrorist attack on social relationships was studied. Methods In‐depth interviews were conducted, with 31 directly exposed people during the 22 March 2016 attacks in Belgium. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three factors related to the impact on social relationships were found. First, participants felt that they had changed. This includes feeling more aggressive, guilty, distrusting or psychosomatic factors, such as migraine attacks, which can hamper social visits. Second, the reactions of others on the participant's expressing their feelings and behaviour also caused participants to not feel understood by their social relationships. Third, due the first two factors, participants coped in different ways (e.g. remaining silent and avoiding certain triggers), which in turn caused their social relationships to change. Conclusions The social relationships of witnesses of terrorist attacks can be hampered due to both themselves as well as the reaction of others. More awareness seems to be needed on the possible mental health consequences of terrorist attacks for witnesses.

The impact of coping strategies and positive resources on post-traumatic stress symptoms among bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster

“…They reported difficulties trusting others and expressed caution when someone tries to get closer to them since the incident. Survivors who directly witnessed the 2016 attacks in Belgium reported experiencing changes such as aggression, guilt, distrust, or psychosomatic factors like migraine attacks after the incident ( 29 ). They felt that others would not understand them, leading to a deterioration in interpersonal relationships.…”

A day in the life: psychological impact on emergency responders during the 22 March 2016 terrorist attacks

“…As most emergency responders have trainings together, they might have a better idea who they can count on in the aftermath of occupational stressors. Studies do indeed show that emergency responders tend to feel their colleagues are the ones who understand what they went through and that responders who perceive a high social support will also have a lower chance of developing PTSD or major depression disorder ( 39 – 41 ). Certainly, the “John Wayne syndrome” of emergency responders might prohibit the support at times among emergency responders as well, but based on other studies, it seems that experiencing trainings together, being able to count on each other, can create the feeling of social connectedness ( 10 , 41 ).…”

“…Studies do indeed show that emergency responders tend to feel their colleagues are the ones who understand what they went through and that responders who perceive a high social support will also have a lower chance of developing PTSD or major depression disorder ( 39 – 41 ). Certainly, the “John Wayne syndrome” of emergency responders might prohibit the support at times among emergency responders as well, but based on other studies, it seems that experiencing trainings together, being able to count on each other, can create the feeling of social connectedness ( 10 , 41 ). Meaning that, although it might be difficult for emergency responders to discuss their feelings, they still have the feeling they can count on their colleagues.…”

The psychosocial aid response after the 22/03/2016 attacks in Belgium: a community case study

“…Among such mental health issues are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders (4)(5)(6). Furthermore, such disorders can be associated with other problems, such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, social relationship problems, suicidal ideation… (7)(8)(9)(10). In general, only a minority of individuals will develop mental health issues as a result of their exposure to terrorist attacks (2,11,12).…”