Patterns of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Substance Abuse, and Depression Among Deploying U.S. Marines.

摘要

This study explored adjustment among combat veterans in relation to the deployment cycle. In particular, it evaluated potential linear and nonlinear patterns in symptom levels in relation to both time since return home and time prior to future departure, and assessed the homogeneity of patterns of change over time across different outcomes. Personnel from U.S. Marine Corps units at three installations in Southern California completed an anonymous survey assessing a range of mental, behavioral, and physical health outcomes. Participants also were asked about their place within the deployment cycle. Results yielded scant evidence for nonlinear patterns of symptom development following deployment. Overall, time until next deployment was a stronger predictor of outcomes than was length of time since last deployment.