NCJ Number
211565
Journal
Journal of Trauma Practice Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
2004
Length
16 pages
Annotation
In order to examine any link between the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and involvement with the criminal justice system, this study measured relevant variables for 241 Vietnam combat veterans with chronic PTSD.
Abstract
Individuals in the sample had been diagnosed with PTSD between November 1997 and February 2000. The Combat Exposure Scale assessed combat exposure, and PTSD was assessed with the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD. Socioeconomic status was measured with the Hollingshead Index of Social Position, and the Childhood Physical Punishment Scale measured physical punishment in childhood. The Conflict Tactics Scale assessed violence; and hostility was assessed with the short form of the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale. Substance abuse was also measured. The primary dependent variable, involvement with the criminal justice system, was measured via arrest history. The majority of the PTSD patients (63 percent) reported a history of arrest post-Vietnam; 54 percent had been arrested more than once. Arrest history was significantly associated with a number of demographic variables, including socioeconomic status, years of education, and marital status. Contrary to expectations, arrest history was not significantly associated with greater combat exposure, although combat exposure was linked to PTSD severity. Neither was arrest history associated with the level of childhood physical punishment. Consistent with predictions, however, PTSD symptom severity was significantly associated with arrest history. Significant bivariate associations were found between arrest history and hostility, interpersonal violence, alcoholism scores, and drug use. Implications are drawn for treatment of war veterans with PTSD. 3 tables and 43 references