Long-Term AFDC Mothers and Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome: Is There a Connection?

As an alternative to the argument that long-term Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) mothers are willing participants in the poverty cycle, it is argued that they experience the type of violence, need, & uncertainty that may cause posttraumatic stress disorder, as indicated by common negative behaviors seen in long-term aid recipients. Open-ended interview data from 24 African American women receiving AFDC are compared with experiences reported by Vietnam War veterans. Both groups report similar feelings, eg, powerlessness, anxiety, & isolation. It is suggested that findings from trauma research be applied to the administration of AFDC & that it should be structured as a supportive, rather than a punitive, program. 18 References. J. Ferrari