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A comparison of combat's effects on PTSD scores in veterans with high and low moral development
Author(s) -
Berg Gary E.,
Watson Charles G.,
Nugent Butch,
Gearhart Lee P.,
Juba Mark,
Anderson Douglas
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(199409)50:5<669::aid-jclp2270500502>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - psychology , moral injury , arousal , posttraumatic stress , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , social psychology
This study was designed to explore the effects of moral development on the relationship between combat intensity and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder. The effect of combat intensity on PTSD Interview total scores and several individual stress disorder symptom ratings was substantial in a Low Moral Development sample, but negligible in a High Moral Development group. These data suggest that moral development may blunt the effect of combat severity on PTSD. These effects were strongest on items that describe reexperiencing of the trauma and exaggerated arousal. Possible interpretations of the results and several caveats were discussed.