Interpersonal Problem Solving and Coping Reactions of Vietnam Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

In order to assess the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and interpersonal problem solving and coping, 43 Vietnam veterans were assigned to the following four groups: (a) combat veterans with PTSD, (b) combat veterans with severe adjustment problems but not PTSD-diagnosable (AP), (c) combat veterans who were well adjusted (WA), and (d) veterans with little or no combat exposure who served during the Vietnam era (ERA). Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that both the PTSD and AP groups reported less effective coping reactions and poorer problem solving than both the WA and ERA groups. The PTSD subjects also reported less effective problem solving and less problem-focused coping reactions than the AP veterans. Implications of these results are discussed. © 1987 American Psychological Association, Inc.