Professionals' perspectives on how veterans manage trauma

Project (M.S.W., Social Work)--California State University, Sacramento, 2013.The present study conducted exploratory research examining the relationship between positive and negative coping styles utilized by veterans diagnosed with PTSD to manage trauma. Variations in coping styles were studied in association to outcomes of both symptom severity and social functioning. Social functioning was measured by a modified version of the Social Functioning Questionnaire, and PTSD symptom severity was measured by a modified version of the PTSD Checklist-Military Version. The sample included 33 professionals in various mental health settings who have treated veterans with a PTSD diagnosis within the last ten years. The findings represent their perspectives on how veterans??? manage trauma. Overall findings suggest an association between positive coping styles, higher levels of social functioning, and lower PTSD symptom severity. Negative coping styles were associated with lower levels of social functioning and higher levels of PTSD symptom severity. Negative coping included the following coping styles; anger and dissociation, behavioral avoidance, cognitive avoidance, risk-taking behaviors, substance use, and suicidal ideations. Positive coping styles included; positive behavioral approaches, self-narratives, PTG, religious/spiritual coping, and social support. The findings of this study hold relevance to the treatment of trauma and PTSD in the veteran population. The data emphasizes the importance of incorporating positive coping techniques into mental health treatment of veterans diagnosed with PTSD.Social Wor