A plane crash can be good for you
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PLANE CRASH survivors can be left mentally stronger rather than weaker by the trauma, say researchers. Psychologists who compared the wellbeing of 11 men and four women after air crashes with eight regular travellers who had never been in one say the survivors were better mentally on all measures.
The researchers, from Old Dominion University and the College Board in New York, told the American Psychological Association conference in Boston that most disaster research focused on negative responses to the traumatic event.
Gary Capobianco and Thanos Patelis said little research on air disasters had been done because there were usually few survivors, and those who did seldom wanted to share their experiences.
In their study, a key determinant of how the survivors responded was whether they felt in control at the time of the accident, either over the events that led to the crash (in the case of the crew) or over their reaction to it (did they get out of the plane quickly, help others or have to be helped by others?).
Mr Capobianco said: "Survivors who felt they had control over how they acted or what they said or did in reaction to the crash reported less distress. Future research should focus on how experiencing a traumatic event can provide a positive benefit to, or become a resource for, a survivor.".
Earlier research on shipwreck survivors also found positive changes in their outlook on life, self-esteem and stress.
nDrivers prone to road rage who deny they have a problem controlling aggression pose the greatest threat to other road users, psychologists told the conference.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments