Effects of Premilitary and Military Trauma on the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Female and Male Active Duty Soldiers

Citation:

Stretch, Robert H., Kathryn H. Knudson, and Doris Durand. 1998. "Effects of Premilitary and Military Trauma on the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Female and Male Active Duty Soldiers." Military Medicine 163 (7): 466-470.

Authors: Robert H. Stretch, Kathryn H. Knudson, Doris Durand

Abstract:

Surveyed 573 female and 555 male active duty US Army soldiers (average age 25.9 yrs) to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, whether there were gender differences, and the relation between prevalence of exposure to different types of traumatic events (death/injury, sexual, nonsexual, personal injury) and symptoms. Questionnaire results indicated significant gender differences in types of traumatic events experienced, with females reporting more sexual traumas and males reporting more nonsexual traumas. Males reported experi- encing more military-related traumas, whereas females reported more premilitary traumas. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 8.6% for females and 5% for males. Females reported greater psychological distress in response to trauma than males. 

Keywords: female soldiers, male soldiers, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, mental health

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Male Combatants, Gender, Women, Men, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Militaries, Sexual Violence, SV against Men, SV against Women Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 1998