The implications of life events and social integration in the course of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

This study examined the relationships of life events and social integration with combat-related Post-traumatic stress disorder. The sample consisted of 255 Israeli soldiers who suffered a combat stress reaction episode during the 1982 Lebanon War and were followed one and two years after their participation in combat. Statistical analyses yielded significant effects of positive and negative life events and social integration on the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Changes in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder from time 1 to time 2 were associated with life events and social integration. Theoretical and methodological implications of the findings were discussed.