Accession Number:

ADA564611

Title:

The Impact of Attachment Style on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Postdeployed Military Members

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

ARMY MEDICAL DEPT CENTER AND SCHOOL FORT SAM HOUSTON TX

Personal Author(s):

• Escolas, Sandra M.
• Arata-Maiers, Rachel
• Hildebrandt, Erika J.
• Maiers, Alan J.
• Mason, Shawn T.
• Baker, Monty T.

Report Date:

2012-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

9.0

Abstract:

This study examined the effects of attachment style on self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD symptoms in a population of service members N561. Active duty, postdeployment service members completed anonymous questionnaires, including two measures of adult attachment and the PTSD checklist-military as a measure of PTSD symptoms. Results confirmed the central hypothesis that attachment style was related to reported PTSD symptoms. Secure attachment style was associated with less reported PTSD symptoms and therefore may be involved in mechanisms associated with protection from developing PTSD after experiencing wartime trauma. Results were consistent when tested across continuous and dichotomous assessments that captured diagnostic criteria. This study demonstrates a significant relationship between attachment style and PTSD symptoms within a military population, potentially providing the basis for future research in this area.

Descriptors:

• *BEHAVIOR
• *INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
• *MILITARY PERSONNEL
• *POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
• *SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• ACTIVE DUTY
• DEPLOYMENT
• EMOTIONS
• POSTWAR
• QUESTIONNAIRES
• REPRINTS
• THEORY

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE