The Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Reintegration Following Combat Deployment

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reintegration following combat deployment, whether combat exposure can influence trauma and reintegration issues, and whether PTSD diagnostic criteria are related to reintegration issues. Participants were recruited both in-person and online through Armories and veteran organizations, as well as via military-oriented social media. An assessment packet containing the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M; Weathers et al., 1993), PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C; Weathers et al., 1994), the Combat Exposure Scale (CES; Keane et al., 1989), and the Post-Deployment Reintegration Inventory (PDRI; Katz et al., 2010) were used to examine the relationship between PTSD and reintegration. The sample included 132 combat veterans from various wars/conflicts. Statistically significant correlations were found between PTSD symptoms (both military and civilian trauma), combat exposure, and reintegration issues, suggesting there is a moderate to strong positive relationship. Statistically significant relationships between PTSD diagnostic clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal) and the family, occupational, health, and global aspects of reintegration were found, suggesting that each cluster has an effect on reintegration. No difference was found between Caucasian and minority participants on the measures. It is recommended that the relationship between PTSD and reintegration be further explored