Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters, Exposure to Potentially Morally Injurious Events, and Aggression...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Limited research exists on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and aggression post-DSM-5-TR criteria.
• Previous studies relied on outdated DSM-IV criteria for PTSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between PTSD symptom clusters, potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), and aggression using DSM-5-TR criteria.
• To update the understanding of PTSD and aggression links in combat veterans.

Main Methods:

• 167 Israeli combat veterans completed self-report questionnaires.
• Assessed PTSD symptoms, PMIE exposure, and aggression levels.

Main Results:

• A positive relationship was found between court-martials, betrayal-based PMIEs, all PTSD symptom clusters, and aggression.
• The arousal cluster, court-martials, and age predicted aggression.
• The re-experiencing cluster predicted lower aggression.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the link between PTSD arousal symptoms, betrayal, and aggression in veterans.
• Treatment should target arousal symptoms and anger, especially for those with betrayal experiences.
• Clinicians should consider arousal symptoms, age, and court-martial history in risk assessments.