Problem-Solving Tendencies, Coping Styles, and Self-Efficacy Among Israeli Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD and Depression

Abstract

This research aspired to differentiate between veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) depressed veterans, and controls by examining field dependency/independency, active and avoidant coping styles, and self-efficacy. Differences within groups were also tested. It was hypothesized that the PTSD group would have the worst scores on all variables and that differences would be visible within groups, related to the severity of the respective disturbances. Respondents were presented with self-reported questionnaires and a cognitive test. The hypotheses were partially supported. PTSD veterans had the poorest scores on all variables. Differences within groups were only found in the depressed group and for the variables self-efficacy and field dependency. Significant differences between the depressed group and the PTSD group were only found for field dependency and avoidant coping style.

Notes

Note. Sample sizes were as follows: PTSD group, n = 61; depressed group, n = 39; and control group, n = 55.

The ethical committees of the hospitals approved the research, and informed consent was asked from the respondents.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sharon Galor

Sharon Galor received her MA in clinical and health psychology at Leiden University and her PhD in clinical psychology at Innsbruck University. Her research interests focus mainly on PTSD, depression, suicidal behavior, and diagnostics.

Uwe Hentschel

Uwe Hentschel, professor em. at Leiden University, is interested in personality psychology, clinical psychology, defense mechanisms, diagnostics, creativity, and percept-genetic instruments.