A field study of the stress response syndrome. Young women after hysterectomy
N. B. Kaltreider, A. Wallace and M. J. Horowitz
The symptom pattern previously delineated as the stress response syndrome
in a mental health setting was hypothesized to be useful in conceptualizing
reactions to a traumatic event in a nonpsychiatric patient population. The
experience of loss resulting from nonelective hysterectomy for benign
disease in women of childbearing age was selected as a relevant field study
model. Twenty-eight women were studied one year after hysterectomy, using
extensive psychological interviewing by women clinicians and experiential
rating scales. Twelve subjects had a mild stress response syndrome, and
five subjects had a serious level of intrusive and avoidant symptoms.
Increasing severity of response was associated with persisting child-wish,
deterioration in sexual functioning, and change in self-concept. Women who
did well postoperatively generally had no future wish for children and were
actively committed to achievement outside of the home.
