Which students are most likely to experience traumatic stress reactions after a crisis?

Students in closest physical proximity to the event are most likely to experience traumatic stress reactions after a crisis due to their direct exposure to the traumatic incident. Proximity impacts the level of threat perceived by an individual, and those physically present at the scene are often exposed to the immediate danger, distressing sights, sounds, and emotional upheaval that accompany a crisis. This direct exposure can lead to heightened feelings of fear and helplessness, which are fundamental components of traumatic stress responses.

Additionally, the intensity of emotional responses, including anxiety, grief, and shock, is typically amplified for those who witness distressing events first-hand. These reactions can disrupt the individual's sense of safety and security, leading to a greater likelihood of developing symptoms associated with trauma, such as intrusive thoughts, hyper-vigilance, or avoidance behaviors.

In contrast, students who are not directly involved in the event or are informed about it from others tend to experience lower levels of trauma-related symptoms. While they may still feel upset or anxious about the event, their experiences do not carry the same intensity as those who witnessed the crisis directly. Thus, proximity plays a crucial role in the impact of the trauma.