Abstract
Studies have recognized that violence in South Africa is on the increase and has led to high levels of exposure to traumatic incidents and increased vulnerability to trauma. The current study assessed the prevalence of Complex Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), exposure to traumatic events and treatment seeking behavior among 403 psychology undergraduate students at the University of Johannesburg. The sample consisted of females (n =300) and males (n =103). This study was quantitative in nature and a survey method were employed to gather data for the study. Initial Trauma Review (ITR-R) was used to assess most major forms of trauma; Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC) was used to assess symptoms associated with exposure to traumatic experiences. Lastly, self-constructed health seeking behavior questionnaire was used to determine treatment seeking behaviors of the students. The statistical package for social sciences program (SPSS) and descriptive analysis were used in data analysis. Majority of respondents had witnessed at least some sort of traumatic event(s) in their lifetime. These results are in line with the existing literature on the prevalence of traumatic events. The results on health-seeking behavior of the participants indicated the need for professional health with most participants preferring to speak to either a psychologist or psychiatrist. This study indicated that the prevalence rates are likely high since South African children and youth are exposed to high levels of violence. Further research is required due to the paucity of data in this area of complex trauma in South Africa.
M.A. (Research Psychology)