Association of Optimism, Causal Thinking, and Karma Beliefs with PTSD and Depression 8 Years After the Tsunami in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami struck Asia and caused high mortality, displacement, and psychological trauma in Sri Lanka. Previous studies have found that optimism protects against PTSD and depression, whereas pessimistic causal thinking and karma beliefs are associated with depression soon after a trauma. The objective of this study is to examine whether these factors continue to be associated with psychological health among Sri Lankan coastal residents 8 years after the tsunami. A semi-structured survey was conducted in 5 coastal districts. Three hundred twenty-five participants had direct exposure to the tsunami whereas 105 were indirectly or non-exposed. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the three psychological predictors and health outcomes, adjusting for relevant covariates including exposure to the tsunami, gender, age, education, and health before the tsunami. Optimism showed an association with lower depression and better self-reported health. Belief in karma was associated with a higher risk of PTSD symptoms. Internal attribution style was associated with PTSD and depression as well. These findings suggest that optimism, causal thinking, and karma belief play a role in long-term psychological health after a disaster and should be studied further and targeted for interventions.