Toward Preventing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Development and Testing of a Pilot Predeployment Stress Inoculation...

Area of Science:

• Military Psychology
• Trauma Prevention
• Stress Management

Background:

• Combat deployment exposes military personnel to significant stressors.
• Trauma exposure can lead to negative psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Preventive interventions are crucial for mitigating these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, develop, and evaluate a predeployment stress inoculation training (PRESIT) program.
• To enhance coping mechanisms for combat-related stressors.
• To mitigate the negative effects of trauma exposure in deploying personnel.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial involving 351 Marines.
• PRESIT included educational modules, coping skills training (breathing exercises with biofeedback), and simulated stressor exposure.
• Physiological arousal (heart rate variability) and PTSD symptoms (Post-traumatic Stress Checklist) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The PRESIT group demonstrated reduced physiological arousal via increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
• PRESIT was associated with protection against PTSD in Marines without baseline mental health problems.
• The intervention showed potential as a preventive strategy, despite limitations.

Conclusions:

• Predeployment stress inoculation training (PRESIT) is a viable preventive strategy for military personnel.
• The training effectively reduced physiological stress responses.
• PRESIT shows promise in protecting against PTSD development in at-risk military populations.