Savouring as a moderator of the combat exposure–mental health symptoms relationship
Abstract
Engaging in firefights or witnessing death and other types of combat experiences are occupational hazards associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression in military personnel returning from combat deployments. The present study examined savouring beliefs as a moderator of the relationship between combat exposure and mental health symptoms among U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Soldiers (N = 885) completed measures of combat exposure, savouring beliefs, PTSD, and depression. Savouring was negatively related to symptoms of PTSD and depression and moderated the relationship between combat exposure and PTSD and depression among military personnel. These findings demonstrate that savouring positive life experiences may be beneficial to overall positive mental health and potentially buffer negative mental health symptoms related to traumatic experiences. Discussion focuses on the possibility of training individuals exposed to trauma in savouring techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 07, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1002/smi.2822
Entities
People
- Anton I Sytine
- Cynthia L.s. Pury
- Patrick J. Rosopa
- Thomas W. Britt
Organizations
- Clemson University
- United States Army Medical Research and Development Command
- United States Department of Defense