Relationship of Earthquake Exposure, Locus of Control, Coping Strategy, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Adolescent Survivors

A cross-sectional study was performed to examine the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescent survivors 2 years after the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake, and to identify risk factors and their interaction effects. A total of 4,131 adolescents were recruited. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, and locus of control (LOC) and coping strategy were assessed using the Internality, Powerful Others and Chance Scale and Coping Styles Scale, respectively. The prevalence of PTSD was 5% and the relationship between external LOC and PTSD and negative coping and PTSD seemed moderated by environmental factors. These factors should be considered along with external LOC, especially among adolescents with high levels of earthquake exposure. Positive coping strategies may help adolescents manage stress after a severe earthquake.