Examination of post-traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic growth and assumptions about the world among train drivers experiencing traumatic events on the railway line

This study examines the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and assumptions about the world among train drivers who have experienced traumatic events on the railway line. The sample consists of 124 train drivers aged 24-65, working for the TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş. İstanbul Bölge Müdürlüğü, who have had traumatic experiences on the railway line. Data collection tools included the "Socio-Demographic Information Form," "Traumatic Experience Questionnaire," "PTSD Checklist for DSM-5," "Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory," and "World Assumptions Scale." When examining the differences in group scores of the research variables concerning demographic variables, the Independent Samples T-Test was used for two-group comparisons of variables meeting the normal distribution assumption, and ANOVA was used for comparisons involving three or more groups. Pearson Correlation analysis, a parametric test method, was applied to examine the relationships between PTSD, post-traumatic growth, and assumptions about the world and their sub-dimensions. A Post Hoc test was conducted to determine group differences, with group means examined using the Bonferroni method, a parametric multiple comparison test. The study found no significant relationship between age, professional seniority, the number of accidents, and post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, or assumptions about the world. It was found that drivers attributing responsibility for the accidents to external factors (such as track or train faults) had increased levels of traumatic stress. According to the research findings, as the belief in a just world increases, so does the change in life philosophy. An increase in post-traumatic stress levels was found to be positively and significantly related to post-traumatic growth, changes in life philosophy, and changes in self-perception. The results of the study are discussed in the light of the literature, with the implications and limitations of the research evaluated and suggestions for future research provideded.