Date
11-2021
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Al Sarno
Keywords
Combat PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol, ACT, Deployment
Disciplines
Psychology | Vocational Education
Recommended Citation
Waites, Corey E., "What Long-Term Effects Occur from Combat Deployment in Effecting Later Adaptation to Civilian Life?" (2021). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 3277.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3277
Abstract
This study shows the effects that combat exposure can have on an individual by compiling information gained from surveys and collecting data from Facebook interactions. Members of the study who were deployed to the Southern area of Baghdad, Iraq, between 2003-2005 were included in this research after they voluntarily responded to an initial group message on Facebook to members of the 703rd medical company members. This research sets out to determine how a review of the veterans of the US Army 3rd Infantry Division 703rd medical unit between the years 2003-2005 in Iraq can tell us about the long-term effects of combat deployment in effecting later adaption to civilian life. The collection of this data was compiled through the administering of the AUDIT, CAGE, DSAT-20, GAD-7, and MDI surveys as well as weekly group meetings through a Facebook group. Findings show that sixteen years after deployment, participating members have been able to maintain employment while some have had other issues consisting of anxiety, depression, and some usage of alcohol reported throughout the study. The study provided information on different causes from combat trauma with ways of improving the outcome of the symptoms before they happen as well as after they occur. The research will hopefully improve treatment for those who served in combat and ultimately for all who experience trauma. The researcher is looking to expose issues with treatment of the diagnosis instead of the individual’s issue. Here will be information on what was expected, found, and things that could have been improved on as well as future research to assist in gathering information on the topic of combat PTSD.
