The STAI was developed to measure transitory-emotional and relatively stable
anxiety reactions (Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1970).
Both were in their late 30s, studying for business degrees, had extremely negative educational backgrounds, had significant people in their life telling them they wouldn't be able to finish, had jobs that were integral to the financial welfare of their families, and reported similar
anxiety reactions to math and tests.
Unfortunately, however, severe
anxiety reactions, workplace apathy, absenteeism, and depressive symptoms have far-reaching impacts, not only on the officers suffering the trauma but, importantly, on their colleagues, the families they love, and the public they have sworn to protect and serve.
The group's medical delegate said Iraqi prisoners were "presenting signs of concentration difficulties, memory problems, verbal expression difficulties, incoherent speech, acute
anxiety reactions, abnormal behavior, and suicidal tendencies.
Some students were also recommended for intervention strategies due to high
anxiety reactions. When informally interviewed by the school counselor, all 16 students reported feelings of frustration and anxiety with regard to the testing, even to the point of physical illness and vomiting.