The Causes, Course, and Consequences of Anger Problems in Veterans Returning to Civilian Life

Abstract

While anger is a common problem for veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, veterans' understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of anger has not been explored. We conducted this qualitative study to learn veterans' perspectives about their anger problems. We identify and describe three distinct patterns of anger problems that emerged as a consequence of (a) loss of structure during reintegration to civilian life, (b) moral injury sustained through a wartime experience, and (c) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While anger problems tended to be short lived for those experiencing loss of structure, problems persisted for years for those with moral injury or PTSD. Anger following all three patterns negatively impacted veterans' experiences with reintegration. We discuss the implications of these findings.

KEYWORDS:

• anger
• veterans
• qualitative
• moral injury
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• structure

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Hellman Family Faculty Fund. We would like to thank Rachel Kimmerling for her comments on an earlier version of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Miranda Worthen

Miranda Worthen is an assistant professor of epidemiology, Department of Health Science and Recreation, San Jose State University. Her research focuses on the psychosocial experiences of war-affected populations and increasing community capacity through participatory research methods.

Jennifer Ahern

Jennifer Ahern is an assistant professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley. Her research includes investigations of the effects of social and physical environments on substance use, mental health, violence and gestational health.