Factors associated with antisocial behavior in combat veterans.
The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with antisocial behavior in 1,543 Marines who deployed to combat zones in support of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan during 2002-2007. Five factors were associated with antisocial behavior in multivariate analyses: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, deployment-related stressors, combat exposure, younger age, and being divorced. PTSD symptoms had a stronger association with antisocial behavior than any other variable. A unique and important finding of this study was the association between deployment-related stressors and a higher incidence of antisocial behavior. Because deployment-related stressors are potentially modifiable, the military may be able to address them in concrete ways such as by shortening deployments and improving communication with home.
Booth-Kewley
Stephanie
S
Behavioral Science and Epidemiology Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California 92106, USA. stephanie.kewley@med.navy.mil
Larson
Gerald E
GE
Highfill-McRoy
Robyn M
RM
Garland
Cedric F
CF
Gaskin
Thomas A
TA
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000367:Age Factors; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*