Emotional Response of Students to a Political Crisis

During the early phase of the Cambodian invasion, medical students who were tested by means of a check list showed more anxiety, hostility, and depression than college students tested at "normal" times. Two weeks later, after there had been an opportunity for constructive political activity, retesting showed significant decreases in anxiety and hostility. However, depression scores remained high. An awareness of emotionality during political crises may permit more open communication and better problem solving.