The Impact of Homecoming Reception on the Adaptation of Peacekeepers Following Deployment

Abstract

Not unlike combat soldiers, peacekeepers are at risk for the development of significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Litz, Orsillo, Freidman, Ehlich, & Batres, 1997). Previous studies have demonstrated that the response of family and community members at homecoming has a significant restorative role in the adaptation of combat soldiers (e.g., Fontana & Rosenheck, 1994). This study assesses this potential effect in the postdeployment adjustment of peacekeepers. As part of a larger investigation, 1,023 U.S. military personnel who served as peacekeepers in Somalia were administered a comprehensive psychosocial questionnaire that included measures of exposure to negative and potentially traumatic peacekeeping experiences, homecoming reception, and PTSD symptom severity. Adjustment to peacekeeping was positively related to homecoming reception.