Predisposing Variables in PTSD Patients.

The conceptualization of predisposition to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) is summarized by three models: (1) predisposition due to preexisting psychopathology, (2) predisposition due to preexisting traits or characteristics considered normal, and (3) predisposition due to preexisting experience of specified stressors in family of origin. The investigation reported can be subsumed under the third model. The study involved the exploration of major stressors found in families of origin of 40 veterans, 20 who later developed PTSD and 20 who did not develop PTSD, with key demographic and military service variables balanced across groups. Additionally, the study focused on childhood perceptions of major stressors in family of origin. Findings suggest PTSD veterans had greater childhood stress related to parental alcoholism and unemployment than did non-PTSD counterparts. Further, the data suggest two major sets of childhood perceptions separate the two groups of veterans: (1) parental alcoholism/unemployment in the perception of PTSD participants, and (2) parental strictness/delegation of responsibility in the perception of non-PTSD participants. Methodological refinements are discussed that are needed to better hone in on the connection between family system stressors during primary socialization, subsequent phenomenology, and risk for PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]