Implications of Posttraumatic Stress Among Military-Affiliated and Civilian Students |
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| Authors: | Adam E Barry PhD Shawn D Whiteman PhD Shelley M MacDermid Wadsworth PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Health Education and Behavior , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida;2. Department of Human Development and Family Studies , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana;3. Military Family Research Institute , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objectives: To determine whether posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences, as well as academic correlates among military-affiliated and civilian students. Participants: The final sample (n = 248) included 78 combat-exposed student service members/veterans, 53 non–combat-exposed student service members/ veterans, 38 ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) students, and 79 civilian students. Methods: Self-report data were collected spring 2011 via a Web-based survey measuring PTS, problem drinking, alcohol-related consequences, grade point average, educational self-efficacy, academic amotivation, and persistence. Results: Military students exposed to combat-related trauma reported significantly greater PTS symptoms than other military and civilian groups. PTS symptoms were associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences for all groups, yet unrelated to academic correlates among those exposed to combat-related trauma. Conclusion: This study adds to the scant literature base exploring the unique characteristics of student service members/veterans in higher education. |
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| Keywords: | alcohol combat higher education posttraumatic stress service member veteran |
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