An Executive Functioning Composite Does Not Moderate the Relationship Between Combat Exposure and Posttraumatic
Lena Etzel1,2, Holly M Miskey3,4,5,6, Jennifer B Webb1,6
1Health Psychology Ph.D. Program, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Summary
Combat exposure is linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Veterans. However, executive functioning did not moderate this relationship in the study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Military Health
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant concern for U.S. combat Veterans, impacting their health and well-being.
- Combat experiences can alter cognitions and increase PTSD risk, suggesting cognitive processes are key targets for treatment.
- The cognitive model of PTSD posits that persistent threat perceptions exacerbate symptoms, highlighting the potential role of perspective-shifting and novel interpretations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate executive functioning as a moderator between combat exposure and PTSD symptom clusters in post-9/11 Veterans.
- To explore the relationship between combat experiences and various PTSD symptom clusters.
- To examine potential cognitive mechanisms influencing PTSD development and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 168 Veterans.
- An executive functioning composite score was calculated using measures like the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Color-Word Inhibition.
- Path analysis was employed to test the proposed moderation model.
Main Results:
- Combat exposure was significantly associated with all PTSD symptom clusters, as measured by the PTSD Checklist-Military.
- Executive functioning was not found to be significantly associated with PTSD symptom clusters.
- Executive functioning did not moderate the association between combat exposure and PTSD symptom clusters.
Conclusions:
- Combat exposure remains a critical risk factor for PTSD in Veterans, necessitating routine screening.
- Despite theoretical rationale, executive functioning did not moderate the link between combat exposure and PTSD symptoms.
- Further research is needed to explore methodological and sampling factors that may explain the lack of observed moderation.
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