Physical Aggression among Post-9/11 Veterans

Understanding risk factors for physical aggression among recently separated combat veterans is important for prevention. We examined longitudinal and concurrent risk factors in the year following military separation. A total of 474 Marines completed questionnaires prior to separation and again in the first year of civilian life. In multivariate analyses, younger age, greater combat exposure, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression symptoms were associated with increased risk of physical aggression after separation. Problem alcohol use was a significant risk factor concurrently but not longitudinally. This study underscores the need to examine multiple time points and risk factors.