Dissertation
The moderating role of social problem-solving regarding the predictive relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance use in U.S. military veterans
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6957
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two clinically significant and commonly co-occurring psychopathologies among military Veterans (Back, et al., 2014; Erbes, Westermeyer, Engdahl, & Johnsen, 2007; Hoge, Auchterlonie, & Milliken, 2006; Hoge et al., 2004). More specifically, the prevalence rates for PTSD and SUDs in Veterans are at approximately 29% and 18%, respectively, and at rates of approximately three and five times that of the general population (Bagalman, 2013; APA, 2013; SAMHSA, 2007). It is largely recognized that among many such Veterans, substances are used as coping mechanisms for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms due to a lack of adaptive coping mechanisms. One particular study examined coping skills in male Veterans with PTSD and SUD symptoms through a variety of different coping models, generally finding avoidance to be a primary coping mechanism among substance users (Boden et al., 2014). Due to the fact that this study investigated only males, and other such studies on the psychological coping styles associated with the relationship between PTSD and SUD symptoms are sparse, additional exploration as to how existent or non-existent, adaptive or maladaptive coping skills affect the relationship between PTSD and SUD symptomology need be conducted. The primary aim of this study is to assess whether or not social problem-solving, a cognitive-behavioral construct of problem-solving and stress management, moderates the prediction of substance abuse from posttraumatic stress symptoms. One hundred and sixty individuals who have completed service in the United States Military were in a survey- based study. Assessment measures included (a) a comprehensive demographic questionnaire assessing psychological and medical health, socioeconomic status, family system, occupational history, and military history, (b) the Social Problem-Solving Inventory - Revised: Short Form (SPSI-R:SF), (c) a DSM-5 Alcohol Checklist, (d) the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), (e) the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), and (f) the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results suggested that rational, impulsive-careless, and avoidant problem-solving styles significantly moderate the prediction of alcohol use from PTSD symptoms, while, SPS did not moderate PTSD on drug use.
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Details
- Title
- The moderating role of social problem-solving regarding the predictive relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance use in U.S. military veterans
- Creators
- Jessica B. Stern - DU
- Contributors
- Arthur M. Nezu (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)Christine M. Nezu (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6957; 991014632231104721