Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

203

Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Psychology

Concentration

Clinical Psychology

Committee Chair

Meghan E McDevitt-Murphy

Committee Member

James G Murphy

Committee Member

Melloni N Cook

Abstract

PTSD is highly comorbid with alcohol abuse and veterans appear to be a population at high risk for developing these problems. Maladaptive coping behaviors have been linked to the development of PTSD and alcohol abuse. Additionally, understanding more about the way one copes and why they report consuming alcohol may be important to understanding this relationship. This study examined coping style and drinking motives as mediators of PTSD-AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) problems in 60 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. PTSD did not predict alcohol consumption variables. The PTSD group scored higher on drinking consequences, and drinking to cope. The PTSD group endorsed more emotional discharge coping, whereas the non-PTSD group endorsed more seeking alternative rewards. Drinking to cope mediated the relationship between both PTSD and drinking consequences. The results highlight the importance of teaching coping skills as well as assessing the motivation behind veterans’ alcohol consumption.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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