Traumatogenicity: effects of self-reported noncombat trauma on MMPIs of male Vietnam combat and noncombat veterans treated for substance abuse

Abstract

A recent review of the literature on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the MMPI has shown that all previously published studies have been limited to clinical groups whose trauma occurred in Vietnam combat. The purpose of this study was to test hypotheses that predict higher MMPI and PTSD scale scores among combat veterans who differ in degrees of noncombat traumas. Results support predictions. Those who reported more noncombat traumas attain significantly higher MMPI scores for scales F, Hypochondriasis, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviate, Psychasthenia, Schizophrenia, Mania, Social Introversion, and an MMPI PTSD score (Keane, Malloy, & Fairbank, 1984). Moreover, noncombat effects are manifested differentially: Combat veterans with higher noncombat trauma evidence greater social withdrawal, whereas noncombat veterans who report higher noncombat trauma are characterized by higher anxiety. MMPI elevations were progressively higher as groups increased in degrees of combat and noncombat trauma: noncombat and low combat trauma veterans were the better adjusted, and combat veterans with higher noncombat trauma were the worst adjusted. Results provide descriptive validity for PTSD as a construct and underscore the importance of assessing frequency and intensity, as well as types of traumas and stresses, in the background histories of substance abusers and other clinical groups as well.