Date of Award
3-1990
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Department
Psychology
College
College of Liberal Arts
First Advisor
Mary Dwyer
Second Advisor
Joe Redding
Third Advisor
Dale Schwerdtfeger
Keywords and Subject Headings
Combat Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship: (a) between severity of stressors in combat, (b) post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology, and (c) subsequent alienation, withdrawaland isolation of Vietnam combat veterans from contemporary American society.
This thesis deals specifically with the diagnostic criterion "feeling of detachment or estrangement fromothers," as stated in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition revised, section 309.89 (post-traumatic stress disorder), part C, item no. 5.
The sample population for this study is a group of Vietnam combat veterans who live in Northern Minnesota. All of these men meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder to some degree. The data consists of: (1) survey results, (2) interviews, (3) group discussions, and (4) personal observations of these men by the researcher. Results of this study are compared to other assessment methods which are currently being used for the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Unusual types of stressors and symptoms are explained and examples of current assessment tools are presented. The phenomena of alienation, withdrawal and isolation are also examined in the perspective of a natural result of unnatural circumstances.
This study indicates that there is a relationship between: (a) the severity of stressors, (b) the post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology, and (c) subsequent alienation, withdrawal and isolation. The variables of this relationship are discussed, but levels of significance are omitted due to the limited number of subjects available. The conclusions indicate that present treatment methods are inadequate and there is a tremendous need for further research to develop treatment programs to bring these veterans out of isolation (both physically and psychologically) and facilitate their reentry and useful integration back into the mainstream of American society. The relationship between stressors, PTSD symptomology and eventual isolation also support efforts toward preventative techniques.
After examining the literature review, questionnaire results, group sessions and personal interviews of this study, it is evident that there is a relationship between (a) severity of stressors, (b) PTSD symptomology, and (c) subsequent alienation, withdrawal and isolation of Vietnam combat veterans from contemporary American society. Because of the relatively small number of subjects who participated in this study (20), statistical levels of significance were not used. The relationship indicated progresses from a to b to c, but not directly from a to c. There are many variables to consider when assessing severity of stressors and PTSD on an individual level and there is a definite need for further research which would lend to more adequate treatment methods for PTSD. It also seems obvious that there is a need for more preventative efforts in the form of immediate therapy for those exposed to extreme stressors such as those experienced in combat.
Recommended Citation
Kuschel, Richard L., "Missing After Action: A study of the Alienation and Withdrawal of Vietnam Veterans from Contemporary American Society" (1990). Culminating Projects in Psychology. 20.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/psyc_etds/20
