Current adaptive functioning of Battle of the Bulge combat veterans.

摘要

This study addressed the issue of current psychological adjustment among World War II veterans by assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social support, and current life events. Issues that are unique in understanding Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in older adults are examined throughout, with particular attention to areas specific to the experience of combat exposure. Participants were Battle of the Bulge combat veterans purposely approached for studying consequences of combat exposure (Group 1; n = 39). Comparison participants were same-aged non-veteran males who were not exposed to combat trauma (Group 2; n = 39). Results showed that the combat veteran group exhibited the highest prevalence of current PTSD symptomatology, as hypothesized, regardless of current levels of social support and current undesirable life events. Exposure to combat trauma was a positive predictor of current PTSD symptomatology, pointing to the persistent, far-reaching impact of combat experience on mental health. The findings and their implications for understanding and treating combat veterans throughout their life cycles are discussed.