Postville: The Emotional Consequences Applying Diagnostic Criteria to a Unique Event

• Main Author: Burke, Mollie Katherine
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: UNI ScholarWorks 2009
• Subjects: Postville
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/hpt/789; https://scholarworks.uni.edu/context/hpt/article/1786/viewcontent/Burke_Mollie_hpt_redacted.pdf

Group interviews were conducted with small groups of Guatemalan women who were affected by the immigration raid in Postville, Iowa. During these interviews, participants responded to questions about emotional reactions in the months following the raid, as well as current emotional states and functioning. The women reported several negative effects, including emotional, social, and economic hardship during the months between the raid and the interviews. The way in which these responses correlate to the traditional model for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder allows insight into the appropriateness of diagnostic criteria. As similar raids are conducted, it is vital to have an understanding of not only the legal and economic ramifications, but also the psychological effects. A full comprehension of the emotional consequences of the Postville immigration raid would allow for appropriate action to be taken to both prevent as well as treat any psychological harm caused by this type of event.