Comparing Three Distinct Samples on Traumatic Events, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dysfunctional Coping Styles

The purpose of this study was to compare three distinct United States (US) samples on traumatic events, dysfunctional coping styles and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The samples were: civilian (n = 97); non-combat military veterans (n=61) and combat military veterans (n = 91). An online survey was used to collect all the data. The average age across all participants was 29 years old. For the overall combined sample, three avoidance coping styles, venting, denial, and dark humor, were each positively related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Looking at differences between the three samples, the combat veteran sample had more traumatic events (TEs), with the most recent TE being longer ago, then the non-combat veteran and civilian samples. There were no sample differences in PTSD. However, the non-combat veteran sample had higher levels of denial, venting and dark humor in dealing with their most recent TE, than the other two samples. This research draws needed attention to helping non-combat military veterans cope in a more positive way with their most recent TE. Future research directions and study limitations are discussed.

Widening The Gallery Of Biblical Combat Veteran Types With Gideon

This spiritual-psychological exegesis continues to expand the gallery of biblical combat veteran types by shedding light on a new biblical combat character. Gideon from the Book of Judges was an experienced combat veteran and military commander. The findings include the proposal of a new categorical type of a combat veteran who illustrates both spiritual integrity and resilience. The article engages in conversations of what the findings may mean for pastoral care and their connections to theology.

1068 Using Sleep to Avoid Inpatient PTSD Treatment

Introduction During inpatient psychiatric treatment, mattress actigraphy can be used to track nightly sleep in a zero-burden fashion to examine its relationships with other markers of treatment progress. We report here on associations between actigraphic sleep parameters and treatment markers in combat veteran engaged in inpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. We focus first on sleep scheduling, the best-validated outcome available from actigraphic data. Methods 140 combat veteran inpatients provided between 5 and 164 nights of mattress actigraphy over the course of their inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations. The sample was characterized by multiple traumas and a high prevalence of comorbid mood and substance use disorders. Approximately one-half of the sample had undergone objective screening for OSA and for this subsample AHI < 20 was used as an inclusion criterion. Unscreened participants were required to have a BMI < 35. Inclusion also required mean actigraphic SE > 60%. The PTSD Checklist and Combat Exposure Scale were obtained at admission, from which a trauma load index was created by adding z-scores obtained from standardizing these scales. Results In a multiple regression analysis, after accounting for secular change in LOS, higher trauma loads (p < 0.001) and earlier bed times (p = 0.001) were both significantly associated with shorter lengths of stay (LOS; F(3,137) = 10.4, p < 0.001; adj. R-squared = 0.17). Trauma load and bed time did not interact (p = 0.7). Conclusion Avoidance is a criterial symptom of PTSD. Early bed times and early exits from treatment may both reflect the impact of syndromal avoidance on treatment, limiting its dosage and benefit. If so, prescribing later bed times may have utility in inpatient treatment programming. Support Award W81XWH-15-2-0005 from the Department of Defense, Military Operational Medicine Research Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center.

Listening to Narratives of Security and Insecurity

Chapter 3 contributes to the analysis of women’s security and insecurity by paying attention to the multiple voices of the combat veteran. Carol Gilligan’s “Listening Guide” is applied as a platform for evaluating the experiences of women soldiers. The chapter thus presents another deconstruction of binary perceptions in research epistemology through disaggregating the voices and silences of women combat veterans. The combatants’ narratives bring to light their gendered and political reflections about their military service and the political and armed conflict that surrounds them. By tuning in and listening to distinct aspects of their narratives regarding their experiences, the analysis shows that most of the ex-combatants indicated that their service had been an important milestone that changed their lives for the better and made them more mature and confident. While some of them were critical of the political leadership, most chose to discuss only personal, gendered, and social experiences.

To Understand and Support Contemporary Veterans Utilizing Biblical Combat Veteran Types

This article continues to build on the biblical combat veteran types (BCVTs) which were recently presented as a tool to describe and understand biblical combat veterans through the lenses of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury. The purpose of this article is to connect the BCVTs with real-life cases so as to show the potential usefulness of the biblical types. This article further develops a model for pastoral care which integrates this tool.