RESPONSE STYLE AS A MODERATOR BETWEEN COMBAT EXPOSURE AND PTSD SYMPTOMATOLOGY

Throughout the literature, combat exposure has been consistently linked to PTSD symptomatology among combat veterans. However, the wayan individual responds to clinical interactions, also known as their response style, has received little or no attention as a potential moderating variable between combat exposure and PTSD symptomatology. Much of the research in the area of response style has utilized the MMPVMMPI-2 validity scores as a means to detect over-reporting among combat veterans. However, at present, few studies have examined responses on both the MMPI-2 validity scales and the SIRS as they relate to the detection of over-reporting on other measures (i.e., PCL-M and CES). The current study seeks to examine whether the response style on selected MMPI2 F-family validity scales and the SIRS among a sample of Vietnam combat veterans moderates the relationship between combat exposure and PTSD symptom endorsement. Individuals' combat exposure and current PTSD symptomatology were assessed through the use of self-report measures. In addition, participant's response style was assessed through the use of both the MMPI-2 and the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS). The results of the study demonstrated that response style did not moderate the relationship between combat exposure and PTSD symptomatology. However, results did reveal that individual's responses on the SIRS were directly related to PTSD symptom endorsement.Ph.D. in Psychology, December 201