Matthew Came

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Area of Concentration

General Studies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to interrogate the widely reported link between close relationships and the development of PTSD and to contribute to the overarching discussion of PTSD among combat veterans. Participation was limited strictly to combat veterans. Participants were recruited through private combat veteran groups on social media, vetted combat veteran support groups in the Sarasota FL. area, and through the Sarasota VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3233, (n=65). Participants completed the Modified ECR, a 20 question survey based on the Experiences in Close relationship scale and answered questions regarding PTSD diagnosis and symptoms. On average, relationships with comrades in combat were found to be superior to civilian relationships, avoidance scores in comrade relationships were M = 2.86 versus M = 4.16 in civilian. Average anxiety scores in comrade relationships were M = 3.17 versus M = 3.90 in civilian. 43% of the respondents reported a PTSD diagnosis, with 22% refusing to respond. In addition, it was found that poor relationships along the anxiety spectrum were predictive of PTSD diagnosis, (p= .045). These results are indicative of the powerful impact relationships with comrades in combat have on the development of PTSD.

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