The Impact of Reported Direct and Indirect Killing on Mental Health Symptoms in Iraq War Veterans

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA514756 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This study examined the mental health impact of reported direct and indirect killing among 2,797 U.S. soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Data were collected as part of a postdeployment screening program at a large Army medical facility. Overall, 40 of soldiers reported killing or being responsible for killing during their deployment. Even after controlling for combat exposure, killing was a significant predictor of posttraumatic disorder PTSD symptoms, alcohol abuse, anger, and relationship problems. Military personnel returning from modern deployments are at risk of adverse mental health conditions and related psychosocial functioning related to killing in war. Mental health assessment and treatment should address reactions to killing to optimize readjustment following deployment.

Author(s):
Maguen, Shira ; Lucenko, Barbara A. ; Reger, Mark A. ; Gahm, Gregory A. ; Litz, Brett T. ; Seal, Karen H. ; Knight, Sara J. ; Marmar, Charles R.
Author Organization(s):
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER SAN FRANCISCO CA
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in Journal of Traumatic Stress, v23 n1 p86-90, Feb 2010.
Pagination:
0006

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
VA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.4.2_Health Service Delivery; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection; JCA_8.2_Shape
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
*MENTAL HEALTH, *IRAQI WAR, *ARMY PERSONNEL, POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, VETERANS(MILITARY PERSONNEL), REPRINTS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Psychology, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*DIRECT KILLING, *INDIRECT KILLING, POSTDEPLOYMENT
Report Date:
2010 Feb 01
Creation Date:
2010 Mar 10