A new survey published today in the British Medical Journal has found ‘substantial levels of stress’ amongst 31% of Londoners as a result of the London bombings. The survey questioned 1,010 people between 11 and 13 days after the London was rocked by terrorists bombings on the 7th July 2005.
London Bombings: Psychology of Terrorism
London Bombings: Profile of a Terrorist
London Bombings: Why We Are Glued To The TV
Researchers randomly dialled telephone numbers asking Londoners to participate.
Amongst the other findings were:
- 55% of people felt their lives were in danger from terrorism.
- 58% felt friends and family were in danger from terrorism.
- 86% felt that another attack was likely – 86% were, sadly, right.
- Fully one-third of Londoners intended to change their mode of transport as a result.
- Previous experience of terrorism was linked to lower levels of stress.
- Inability to contact friends and family linked to higher stress.
- Higher levels of distress found in non-white and Muslim Londonders.
The researchers acknowledge that a weakness of their study is that those who were unaffected by the bombings may have been less likely to agree to inclusion in the study. Still, 31% is high.
In response the NHS have set up a telephone helpline for those affected which will screen for post-traumatic stress disorder. The phone number is 0845 9502878.
About the author
Psychologist, Jeremy Dean, PhD is the founder and author of PsyBlog. He holds a doctorate in psychology from University College London and two other advanced degrees in psychology.
He has been writing about scientific research on PsyBlog since 2004. He is also the author of the book “Making Habits, Breaking Habits” (Da Capo, 2003) and several ebooks:
- Accept Yourself: How to feel a profound sense of warmth and self-compassion
- The Anxiety Plan: 42 Strategies For Worry, Phobias, OCD and Panic
- Spark: 17 Steps That Will Boost Your Motivation For Anything
- Activate: How To Find Joy Again By Changing What You Do
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Psychological and behavioural reactions to the bombings in London on 7 July 2005: cross sectional survey of a representative sample of Londoners [Full article, PDF]
