Optimism and language proficiency predict incidence of and remission from PTSD among climate migrants.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: from positive PTSD among those who had previously screened positive. METHOD: Participants were 319 Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria survivors on the U.S. mainland assessed between 2020 and 2023. We employed Cox proportional hazards regression to model several predictors of positive PTSD screen incidence and remission for each outcome using five waves of data. RESULTS: (AHR = 39%), whereas higher English proficiency (AHR = -38%) and exposure to hurricane trauma (AHR = -32%) indicated a reduced likelihood of remission from PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a rapid initial remission from positive PTSD screen for a substantial portion of the sample. Participants who are proficient in English language may be most likely to screen positive for PTSD over time and least likely to remit from a positive PTSD screen. Findings underscore the importance of optimism and higher English proficiency for both decreased incidence of and increased remission from PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy

DOI: 10.1037/tra0001988

Institutions: Boston College, Sungkyunkwan University, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Miami, University of Basel, Northern Arizona University, Florida International University, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

Awards: G2398749894, G9000152351

OpenAlex ID: W4413137950