Long-Term AFDC Mothers and Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome: Is There a Connection?

As an alternative to the argument that long-term Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) mothers are willing participants in the poverty cycle, it is argued that they experience the type of violence, need, & uncertainty that may cause posttraumatic stress disorder, as indicated by common...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Affilia 1997-10, Vol.12 (3), p.359-367
Main Author: Gerdes, Karen E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Mothers
Poor women
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Poverty
Psychological aspects
Relationship
Social aspects
Social work
USA
Veterans
Welfare
Welfare Recipients
Welfare Services
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Summary:As an alternative to the argument that long-term Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) mothers are willing participants in the poverty cycle, it is argued that they experience the type of violence, need, & uncertainty that may cause posttraumatic stress disorder, as indicated by common negative behaviors seen in long-term aid recipients. Open-ended interview data from 24 African American women receiving AFDC are compared with experiences reported by Vietnam War veterans. Both groups report similar feelings, eg, powerlessness, anxiety, & isolation. It is suggested that findings from trauma research be applied to the administration of AFDC & that it should be structured as a supportive, rather than a punitive, program. 18 References. J. Ferrari
ISSN:0886-1099
1552-3020
DOI:10.1177/088610999701200307