WARZONE VIOLENCE IN VIETNAM - AN EXAMINATION OF PREMILITARY, MILITARY, AND POSTMILITARY FACTORS IN PTSD INPATIENTS

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. S tatistical analyses showed that none of the premilitary variables pred icted warzone violence. High combat exposure did, however, predict war zone abusive violence and PTSD. In addition, participation in warzone violence predicted postmilitary violence to self spouse, and others. A lthough high rates of childhood victimization and high levels of comba t exposure were found, neither predicted postmilitary violence, crimin al activities, drug/alcohol problems, or suicide attempts. Low childho od adjustment ratings and school suspensions predicted adult alcohol a buse and drug abuse, respectively. These findings and their implicatio n for treatment are discussed.