Publication year
2011
Citation Title
The association between deployment-related posttraumatic growth among U.S. Army Soldiers and negative behavioral health conditions.
Journal Name
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Journal Volume
67
Issue Number
12
Page Numbers
1151-1160
DOI
10.1002/jclp.20837
Summary
Recently deployed Soldiers were surveyed to assess the relationship between posttraumatic growth (recognized benefits from overcoming a very challenging life circumstance), combat exposure, and negative behavioral health conditions (suicidal ideation, alcohol misuse, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and adjustment problems). Reporting a higher number of combat experiences directly correlated with greater posttraumatic growth.
Key Findings
Among previously deployed Soldiers, those reporting moderate and high numbers of combat experiences also reported significantly higher overall post traumatic growth compared to those who reported low combat exposure.
Soldiers reporting recent suicidal ideation reported significantly lower post traumatic growth.
Post traumatic growth levels did not differ whether or not PTSD, adjustment reactions, depression, or problematic alcohol use were reported.
The highest average post traumatic growth scores were observed in the appreciation of life and personal strength subscales.
Implications for Program Leaders
Offer classes for Service members and their families about potential growth that can emerge from experiencing traumatic situations
Develop modules about recognition and support of post traumatic growth, including how family members may support one another in fostering this growth
Disseminate information regarding possible symptoms of mental health problems Service members may face after deployment and where individuals and families can find help for those problems
Implications for Policy Makers
Encourage programs that assess areas of functioning after combat exposure to expand the domains assessed to include posttraumatic growth
Promote reintegration programs that include attention to assisting Service members’ family in adjusting to the Service member’s return
Recommend training for community providers to educate them about unique factors that contribute to mental health issues for military couples
Methods
At the request of the senior mission commander due to a cluster of violent behavior, a public health field investigation was initiated in a U.S. Army infantry brigade combat team during a three week-soldier readiness processing.
Participants who reported a prior combat deployment answered survey questions about post traumatic growth, demographic variables, combat experiences, history of behavioral health diagnoses, suicidal ideation, and alcohol use.
Average post traumatic growth scores were compared to previously reported post traumatic growth scores in other samples, and statistical analyses were conducted to determine differences in means and standard deviation across subgroups.
Participants
The sample consisted of 1,834 Soldiers (92% male).
Of the participants, 66% were White, 12% were Black, 12% were Latino, while 61% married.
Forty-five percent of the sample completed some college/AA degree, 33% received a high school diploma, and 11% completed a GED.
Participants' rank was as follows:, 45% E1-E4, 39% E5-E6, and 8% E7-E9.
Limitations
The data were cross-sectional and no causal conclusions can be drawn.
The data may not generalize to other samples, particularly given that this brigade was having violence problems and may not be representative of U.S. military personnel.
All behavioral health conditions were self-reported and relied on a one item measure of recall of various domains.
Avenues for Future Research
Replicate this study with a broader sample of Soldiers and Service members from other service branches
Conduct prospective research to explore the causal link between the experience of combat trauma and more post traumatic growth
Examine gender differences in the experience of post traumatic growth among Service members
Focus
Army
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of U.S. Army Soldiers using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the relationship between PTG and negative behavioral health (BH) conditions. Design: A sample of Soldiers with prior combat deployment experience (n = 1,834) completed an anonymous survey including demographics, the PTGI, and negative BH conditions. Results: Among previously deployed Soldiers, those reporting the highest number of combat experiences also reported significantly higher overall PTG. A significant inverse relationship was observed between PTG and recent suicidal ideation, whereby Soldiers reporting recent suicidal ideation reported significantly lower overall PTG. Conclusions: This study quantified PTG resulting from deployment and demonstrated the degree to which combat experiences might result in PTG.
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