ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perceived social support (PSS)ability among middle school students in earthquake-stricken areas after the Wenchuan earthquake accident. Methods A total of 1966 students from three secondary schools of Wenchuan earthquake-stricken areas were evaluated by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Results The overall incidence rate of PTSD was 78.3%, with severe PTSD as 24.38%. Significant differences on the incidence rates of PTSD were found among the students who were in different PSS levels (P<0.05) and significant negative correlation existed between the levels of severity on PTSD and PSS (γ=-0.226, P<0.05). Significant differences on PTSD incidence rates were found among those students who were from different families or out-family PSS levels (P=0.009, P<0.05). Significant negative correlation existed between the severity of PTSD and family or out-family PSS level (γ=-0.176, P<0.05, γ=-0.214, P<0.05). Conclusion Relationships between the incidence rate, severity of PTSD and PSS levels existed among the middle school students in Wenchuan earthquake-stricken areas, with higher PSS, lower incidence rate and lighter severity of PTSD. Psychological intervention for earthquake-stricken students should be carried out.