Rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder are higher among American Indians than
the rest of the United States population. Research suggests that American Indians may
also be exposed to more trauma than the rest of the population. It is possible that
American Indians are more resilient than the PTSD rates alone suggest. This study
looked at PTSD rates and resiliency factors in an American Indian population located in
Upstate New York. The results of the study found that positive emotions and self-esteem
as measured by personal growth were related to decreased rates of PTSD (r = -.127, p =
.045). In addition, sports activities were found to decrease rates of PTSD (r = -.137, p =
.016). Mohawk Cultural Identification did not directly affect PTSD rates.