Kelly was in a passenger plane that had engine trouble. She watched as all four engines quit, one at a time. Then the plane exploded and she was thrown 5,000 feet in the air. It was a miracle that she survived, although she was severely injured. She landed in a thick pine forest covered with 10 feet or more of snow. When she regained consciousness several weeks later, she had a stress reaction that lasted for years, and she could never fly again. The factor that probably MOST contributed to her extreme posttraumatic stress reaction was:
A) her personality.
B) her social support.
C) the severity of the trauma.
D) the nature of her childhood experiences.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The severity of the trauma is likely the most significant factor contributing to Kelly's extreme posttraumatic stress reaction. Losing all four engines and experiencing a plane explosion followed by being thrown 5,000 feet in the air would undoubtedly be a highly traumatizing event. Personality, social support, and childhood experiences may also contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder, but the severity of the trauma itself is likely the most significant factor in this case.

Kelly Was in a Passenger Plane That Had Engine Trouble