Suchergebnisse

Introduction Although dissociation at the time of trauma (peritraumatic dissociation) has been shown to predict the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is not yet known whether the tendency to dissociate under nonstressful circumstances (i.e., at baseline) can also serve as a predictor of vulnerability to stress in healthy individuals. Method Baseline symptoms of dissociation (CADSS) were assessed in 774 active duty male soldiers enrolled in Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). Results Soldiers who endorsed experiencing any symptoms of dissociation at baseline were significantly less likely to be successful in SFAS. The greater the number of symptoms of dissociation endorsed at baseline, the greater the likelihood of failure. Discussion These data explain our earlier findings of fewer symptoms of dissociation in elite troops and may have relevance for the selection and hiring of personnel for nonmilitary, at-risk professions. Better screening may status (positively or negatively) in SFAS. Of the 794 SFAS candidates who were given the study recruitment speech, 774 candidates enrolled in the study. Thus, the refusal rate was three percent. Information on the 20 individuals who refused to participate in the study was not available to the research team.

(from p. 201) "If little is known about the pathophysiology of burnout, even less is known about the actual impact of burnout on military operational performance. This is due to a lack of studies focused on military performance. Whether or not soldiers may feel symptoms of burnout is one thing - whether this state actually affects how they do their job is another. Within the current environment (reduced forces, increased training rates, increased deployment rates, extended tours) we believe that military personnel may be at significant risk for the development of burnout. Further, we wondered if there was a demonstrable impact of burnout on actual military performance as well as on human physiology. The present study was part of a larger investigation designed to assess the neurobiology of stress in soldiers participating in Combat Diver Qualification Training (CDQC). The portion of the study that we present here is that dealing with the assessment of burnout, HPA axis functioning and actual performance."

Can the onset of PTSD symptoms and depression be predicted by personality factors and thought control strategies? A logical explanation for the different mental health outcomes of individuals exposed to trauma would seem to be personality factors and thought control strategies. Trauma exposure is necessary but not sufficient for the development of PTSD. To this end, we assess the role of personality traits and coping styles in PTSD vulnerability among Israeli and Palestinian students amid conflict.We also determine whether gender and exposure level to trauma impact the likelihood of the onset of PTSD symptoms. Five questionnaires assess previous trauma, PTSD symptoms, demographics, personality factors and thought control strategies, which are analyzed using path analysis. Findings show that the importance of personality factors and thought control strategies in predicting vulnerability increases in the face of political violence: the higher stress, the more important the roles of personality and thought control strategies. Thought control strategies associated with introverted and less emotionally stable personality-types correlate positively with higher levels of PTSD symptoms and depression, particularly among Palestinians. By extension, because mental health is key to reducing violence in the region, PTSD reduction in conflict zones warrants rethinking.