TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Exposure to combat experiences: PTSD, somatization and aggression amongst combat and non-combat veterans
JO  - International journal of psychology
A1  - Harwood-Gross, Anna
A1  - Stern, Nadav
A1  - Brom, Danny
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - To this date, the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated psychological symptom profiles amongst non-combatant community-based veterans in Israel has not been studied. Data were analysed from a web-based survey of veterans via a market research platform during September 2021 and included 522 non-combat (e.g. intelligence, office-based or education corps) veterans and 534 combat (e.g. front-line infantry) veterans. The survey assessed PTSD, depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms in addition to the prevalence of self-reported aggression. A two-way multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that higher PTSD and somatic symptoms were prevalent for those exposed to combat experiences even when not in a combatant role. A logistic regression indicated that of those who did not self-define as aggressive prior to service, those exposed to combat were three times more likely to be aggressive following their service than veterans not exposed to combat. This effect was not demonstrated for combat soldiers compared to non-combat soldiers. <br><br>RESULTS indicate that mental health outreach would be better targeted towards those who have been exposed to combat-type experiences during their service even in non-combat units. The current study highlights the effect of combat exposure on secondary PTSD symptoms; aggression and somatization.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0020-7594
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12917
ID  - ref1
ER  -