Implications of Posttraumatic Stress Among Military-Affiliated and Civilian Students

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences, as well as academic correlates among military-affiliated and civilian students. Participants: The final sample (n = 248) included 78 combat-exposed student service members/veterans, 53 non–combat-exposed student service members/ veterans, 38 ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) students, and 79 civilian students. Methods: Self-report data were collected spring 2011 via a Web-based survey measuring PTS, problem drinking, alcohol-related consequences, grade point average, educational self-efficacy, academic amotivation, and persistence. Results: Military students exposed to combat-related trauma reported significantly greater PTS symptoms than other military and civilian groups. PTS symptoms were associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences for all groups, yet unrelated to academic correlates among those exposed to combat-related trauma. Conclusion: This study adds to the scant literature base exploring the unique characteristics of student service members/veterans in higher education.

Keywords:

• alcohol
• combat
• higher education
• posttraumatic stress
• service member
• veteran

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (R03AA020193) as well as grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to the Military Family Research Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the Lilly Endowment Inc., the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, or the National Institutes of Health. We are extremely grateful to the individuals who participated in this project, as well as Ryan Carlson, Stacie Hitt, and the staff of the Military Family Research Institute who helped to carry out this investigation.