Longitudinal changes in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans with hazardous alcohol use: The role of avoidance coping
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Lee, J., Possemato, K., & Ouimette, P. C. (2017). Longitudinal changes in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn Veterans with hazardous alcohol use: The role of avoidance coping. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 205(10), 805-808. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000713
Abstract Created by REACH:
Veterans are at high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so it is important to understand the risk factors that contribute to PTSD severity. To explore PTSD risk factors among Veterans, this study analyzed data from two time points (baseline and one year later) regarding their childhood, combat severity, post-deployment social support, coping strategies, and PTSD symptoms. Results revealed that post-deployment social support and an avoidant coping style (i.e., avoidance of dealing with stress) were associated with Veteran's PTSD severity.
Focus:
Mental health
Substance use
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Followup Study
Longitudinal Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Lee, Joohyun, Possemato, Kyle, Ouimette, Paige C.
Abstract:
Military personnel who have experienced combat trauma are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A greater recognition of the complex array of vulnerability factors that contribute to PTSD severity has led researchers to examine other non-combat-related factors. This longitudinal study examined a number of pre-, peri-, and postdeployment factors hypothesized to contribute to PTSD symptomatology among returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans presenting with at least subthreshold PTSD symptoms and hazardous alcohol use in a primary care setting. Purported risk factors included childhood family environment, severity of combat exposure, postdeployment social support, alcohol dependence severity, and an avoidant coping style. At baseline, postdeployment social support and avoidant coping contributed to PTSD severity. Only avoidant coping was associated with changes in PTSD symptom at 1-year follow-up. Reducing avoidant coping may deter the maintenance of PTSD among veterans with PTSD symptoms and hazardous alcohol use.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Syracuse VA Medical Center, JL
Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, KP
Psychological HealthCare, PCO
Keywords:
ptsd, postdeployment, risk, coping, longitudinal
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Clinical Services Research and Development (CSR&D), US, Grant Number: 1I01CX000175-01A1