Personality traits of veterans after combat exposure

Elevations in post-traumatic stress have been attributed to increases in combat exposure. Furthermore, personality traits can be strong predictors of post-traumatic stress and susceptibility of acquiring posttraumatic stress disorder. However, little research has studied combat exposure and post-traumatic stress among National Guard soldiers. The current study explored the relationship between combat exposure and personality traits in 182 male and female soldiers. As hypothesized, increased combat exposure was related to an increase in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Personality traits related to aggression, alienation, and stress reaction were strongly correlated with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Based on the current data, more research is needed to extensively study reserve soldiers\u27 experiences who experience combat during their deployment