Aggression and spirituality among veterans with chronic combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder
Abstract
Spirituality negatively correlates with aggression among the general population, but few studies have examined this relationship in the high-risk population of veterans with combat-related PTSD. Those that have found that incorporating spirituality into treatment may inversely relate to aggression; yet, most studies utilize single-item measures of spirituality. This project expands current research by using a multidimensional measure of spirituality to evaluate which dimensions best predict aggression. Scales were Daily Spiritual Experiences, Forgiveness, and Religious Support from the BMMRS. Participants were 472 male combat veterans in residential PTSD treatment. Aggression was best predicted by Forgiveness, with higher levels less likely to be aggressive; marital status, with marrieds more likely to be aggressive; and depression, with higher levels more likely to be aggressive.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Aggressiveness; Spirituality; Veterans; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology
Date of Award
2008
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Foy, David
Recommended Citation
Didion, Lea M., "Aggression and spirituality among veterans with chronic combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder" (2008). Theses and Dissertations. 17.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/17