A COMPARISON OF COMBATS EFFECTS OF PTSD SCORES IN VETERANS WITH HIGH AND LOW MORAL DEVELOPMENT

This study was designed to explore the effects of moral development on the relationship between combat intensity and severity of posttraumat ic stress disorder. The effect of combat intensity on PTSD Interview t otal scores and several individual stress disorder symptom ratings was substantial in a Low Moral Development sample, but negligible in a Hi gh Moral Development group. These data suggest that moral development may blunt the effect of combat severity on PTSD. These effects were st rongest on items that describe reexperiencing of the trauma and exagge rated arousal. Possible interpretations of the results and several cav eats were discussed.