ABSTRACT
The impact of childhood victimization and other premilitary factors on warzone abusive violence was examined with 177 Vietnam combat veteran inpatients. Premilitary and military variables were also examined in relationship to postmilitary variables, including violence and PTSD. Statistical analyses showed that none of the premilitary variables predicted warzone violence. High combat exposure did, however, predict warzone abusive violence and PTSD. In addition, participation in warzone violence predicted postmilitary violence to self, spouse, and others. Although high rates of childhood victimization and high levels of combat exposure were found, neither predicted postmilitary violence, criminal activities, drug/alcohol problems, or suicide attempts. Low childhood adjustment ratings and school suspensions predicted adult alcohol abuse and drug abuse, respectively. These findings and their implication for treatment are discussed.
Subject(s)
Combat Disorders/psychology , Personality Development , Social Environment , Veterans/psychology , Violence , Warfare , Adult , Child , Child Abuse/diagnosis , Child Abuse/psychology , Combat Disorders/diagnosis , Domestic Violence/psychology , Humans , Life Change Events , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Admission , Personality Assessment , Risk Factors , Torture/psychology , VietnamABSTRACT
A group of 58 American Indian alcoholic admissions and a group of 211 White alcoholic admissions to a California State Mental Hospital were interviewed utilizing a 141-item interview scale. The two groups were compared as to their responses to the interview items by a series of one-way analyses of variance. Statistically significant differences were found on demographic, socioeconomic, hospitalization, drinking and friendship pattern variables. The results are discussed with reference to data reliability, and socioeconomic and cultural factors. The study's findings are also related to an apparent need for the education of police and native Americans in the area concerning treatment resources available to native American problem drinkers.