Processing War: Similarities and Differences in PTSD Antecedents and Outcomes between Military and Civilian War Survivors

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects both civilian and military populations following wartime experiences. However, despite an abundance of research investigating civilian and military populations separately, much less focus has been given to synthesizing and integrating findings to describe how civilian and military war survivors are comparatively affected by PTSD. This review is broken down into three sections covering (1) risk factors associated with PTSD, (2) relationships between PTSD and mental health outcomes, and (3) protective factors that can attenuate PTSD and its effects. Each section covers findings for civilians and military personnel and highlights similarities and differences between groups.

Citation

Leon, M.R., Osburn, H.K. and Bellairs, T. (2018), "Processing War: Similarities and Differences in PTSD Antecedents and Outcomes between Military and Civilian War Survivors", Harms, P.D. and Perrewé, P.L. (Ed.) Occupational Stress and Well-Being in Military Contexts (Research in Occupational Stress and Well Being, Vol. 16), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-355520180000016001