CHILDHOOD FACTORS AND WAR ZONE STRESS IN CHRONIC PTSD

This study assessed the predictive validity of combat factors and sele cted premilitary variables (i.e., childhood physical abuse, substance abuse in the family of origin, or being raised in a nonadaptive or non cohesive family) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) group members hip. In addition, if assessed the correlation of combat exposure and s elected premilitary variables with the severity of PTSD symptomology. Ninety-three male Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD were compared to 8 2 male Vietnam combat veterans without the disorder: The results of tw o hierarchical legit analyses identified combat exposure as the best p redictor of PTSD group membership. However physical punishment was als o found to significantly predict group membership when entered first i n the analyses. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses conducted wi th the PTSD group alone found that both combat exposure and physical a buse predicted greater PTSD symptomology. These findings suggest that childhood physical abuse as well as military trauma should be addresse d in the assessment and treatment of chronic PTSD patients.