The Impact of Attachment Style on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Postdeployed Military Members

Abstract

This study examined the effects of attachment style on self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a population of service members (N=561). Active duty, postdeployment service members completed anonymous questionnaires, including two measures of adult attachment and the PTSD checklist-military as a measure of PTSD symptoms. Results confirmed the central hypothesis that attachment style was related to reported PTSD symptoms. Secure attachment style was associated with less reported PTSD symptoms and therefore may be involved in mechanisms associated with protection from developing PTSD after experiencing wartime trauma. Results were consistent when tested across continuous and dichotomous assessments that captured diagnostic criteria. This study demonstrates a significant relationship between attachment style and PTSD symptoms within a military population, potentially providing the basis for future research in this area.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA564611

Entities

People

  • Alan J. Maiers
  • Erika J. Hildebrandt
  • Monty T. Baker
  • Rachel Arata-maiers
  • Sandra M. Escolas
  • Shawn T. Mason

Organizations

  • Army Medical Department

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Families (Human)
  • Health Services
  • Information Science
  • Iraqi-War
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Military Families
  • Military Personnel
  • Psychiatry
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Warfare

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.