An exploratory study into the relation between post traumatic stress and Axis II personality traits as measured on the MCMI III, in military personnel

M.A.Violence being a prominent and invasive factor in South Africa has left many people feeling powerless, hopeless and incapable of dealing and coping with the effects that exposure to trauma has produced. This idea appears even more disturbing if one considers that military personnel will inevitably be exposed to some form of trauma in their employment history. As a result of this traumatic exposure, many people develop post traumatic stress disorder or symptoms thereof. The literature ind icates that certain variables may increase vulnerability for the development of this disorder. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether or not there is a relationship between Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms and axis II personality traits using Millon’s Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI - III) as a measure. The results of which will have major implications for our understanding of PTS, as well as aid in the deployment of military personnel. The sample comprised 5853 military personnel who completed the MCMI III as part of a yearly project to determine their mental health status. Inferential and descriptive statistical analyses were used on the data. It was found, in accordance with previous literature findings, that narcissistic, antisocial and borderline personality styles are the best predictors of PTS. In addition, the study found that there is a significant relationship between PTS and various personality styles, namely depressive, schizotypal, borderline, passive -aggressive, compulsive, antisocial and narcissistic personality styles. It is recommended that if the MCMI-III is used to scan military personnel prior to combat, those with high scores on borderline, narcissistic and antisocial personality scales, should be subjected to a more in-depth evaluation