Abstract

Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at risk for negative health outcomes, including mortality and death. Recently, research has found that there are seven adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that are also associated with mortality. Further, these ACEs have been found to put Vietnam veterans with PTSD at increased risk of mortality. Although there is research to suggest a significant relationship between the ACEs as a group and health-related outcomes, there is limited research studying the relationship between health outcomes and individual ACEs. Specifically, there is no known research examining the relationship between Parental Substance Abuse (PSA) and these outcomes, specifically vital status. The current study examines the relationship between PSA and vital status in a large inpatient sample of veterans with chronic combat-related PTSD. Upon entrance to residential PTSD treatment, 1866 male veterans completed measures of household dysfunction, depression, and personal substance abuse. Correlational analyses revealed a significant relationship between personal substance dependence and PSA. Analyses showed no significant relationship between PSA and vital status when accounting for personal substance dependence. The importance of addressing PSA and personal substance dependence among veterans receiving inpatient PTSD treatment is discussed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Parents -- Substance abuse

Date of Award

2011

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Foy, David;

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