Coping efficacy as a mediator between combat exposure events and probable PTSD

Area of Science:

• Psychotraumatology
• Military Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Combat exposure is a significant risk factor for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychological distress in military personnel.
• Effective coping mechanisms are crucial for managing personal and interpersonal challenges, particularly following traumatic experiences.
• Previous research indicates a link between coping strategies and mental health outcomes in soldiers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mediating role of functional coping efficacy in the relationship between combat exposure and psychological outcomes.
• To examine specific domains of coping efficacy, including task performance, emotional control, interpersonal relationships, and self-worth.
• To assess the impact of combat exposure on PTSD severity and general psychological distress in Israeli reserve soldiers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1076 Israeli reserve soldiers referred to a Combat Stress Reaction Unit.
• Utilized self-report measures including the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI).
• Employed mediation analyses to explore direct and indirect pathways between combat exposure, coping efficacy, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Combat exposure showed a weak correlation with symptom severity.
• Coping efficacy domains (task performance, self-worth, emotional control, interpersonal relationships) were strongly negatively associated with PTSD and psychological distress.
• Task performance and self-worth significantly mediated the relationship between combat exposure and PTSD symptoms; task performance also mediated the link to psychological distress.

Conclusions:

• Functional coping domains, particularly task performance and self-worth, are key factors influencing psychological outcomes after combat exposure.
• These findings emphasize the clinical relevance of assessing coping efficacy for early intervention planning in military populations.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing task performance and self-worth may be beneficial for soldiers exposed to combat.