World Assumptions and Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

The authors examined the association between (a) personal world assumptions and (b) combat stress reactions (CSRs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTSD's course among three groups of Israeli veterans: 109 veterans who suffered from CSR on the battlefield, 98 decorated veterans, and 189 control participants. Participants completed standardized questionnaires that measured PTSD and world assumption. Both CSR and chronic PTSD were associated with lower levels of self-worth and beliefs about the benevolence of people. In addition, the authors found a linear association between self-worth perceptions and levels of mental status. The authors examined the results of the study considering the extraordinary characteristics and meaning of war.