title: War zone stress, personal and environmental resources, and PTSD symptoms in Gulf War veterans: a longitudinal perspective.
abstract: Cross-sectional research has demonstrated a link between personal and environmental resources and development of emotional distress after war zone service. Less is known about the longitudinal relationship between resources and distress. The authors addressed this issue in a study of 348 Gulf War returnees tested at 2 time points. Resources decreased and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms increased over time. Time 1 avoidance and family cohesion predicted PTSD symptoms at Time 2. Regression analyses revealed a bidirectional relationship over time between resources and PTSD symptoms. Time 1 resources predicted Time 2 psychopathology after accounting for Time 1 emotional distress. PTSD symptoms at Time 1 also predicted changes in coping and family relationships, even after accounting for Time 1 resources. Findings are consistent with the concept of a loss spiral (Hobfoll, 1989), in which resource factors and emotional sequelae to war stress exert reciprocal effects.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans 70112-1262, USA.
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Benotsch
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brailey
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vasterling
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uddo
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Constans
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Sutker
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014857:Warfare