First, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation,
skewness, kurtosis) will be calculated for the variables included in the study,
and tests of normality will be conducted.
Second, to test the aforementioned hypotheses, an analysis
of associations will be conducted, between IES-R total score (and its subscales
of intrusions, hyperarousal and avoidance), traditional masculine norms
(subscales of toughness, social status and anti-femininity), age, length of
service, length of relationship, number of types of potentially traumatic
events as well as their frequency.
Third, potential intergroup differences will be examined
(with either one-way ANOVA or the Mann-Whitney U test), in the social
relations/support and the levels of compliance with traditional male role norms
between male paramedics who meet the criteria for PTSD and those who do not.
Fourth, a series of univariate regressions will be conducted
to explore potential predictors of the development of PTSD symptoms. The
analyses will include the IES-R total score as a dependent variable, and social
relations/ support, social status, toughness and anti-femininity norms, age,
education, relationship length, length of service, number of types of events,
frequency of events as independent variables.
Fifth, a series of logistic regressions will be conducted
for probable PTSD as a dichotomized dependent variable and for no PTSD and age,
education, length of service, length of the relationship, number of types of
potentially traumatic events, frequency of potentially traumatic events, social
support, social status norms, toughness norms and anti-femininity norms as
independent variables.