Correlates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Marines Back from War

Abstract

The effect of combat and operational stress on the mental health of military personnel is a major concern. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A questionnaire was completed by a sample of 1,569 Marines who had deployed to combat in support of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan (2002-2007). Using the PTSD Checklist, 10.6% of the sample screened positive for possible PTSD. Of 10 demographic and psychosocial factors that were examined in relation to possible PTSD, four factors were significant in a multivariate analysis: deployment-related stressors, combat exposure, mild traumatic brain injury symptoms, and marital status. Deployment-related stressors had a stronger association with possible PTSD than any other variable in the study. Deployment-related stressors are potentially modifiable, such as by improving support to families, and improving access and options for communication with home.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA515120

Entities

People

  • Cedric F. Garland
  • Gerald E. Larson
  • Robyn M. Highfill-McRoy
  • Stephanie Booth-Kewley
  • Thomas A. Gaskin

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Brain Injuries
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Families (Human)
  • Health
  • Health Services
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Health
  • Military Personnel
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Psychology
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Surveys
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.