An Analysis of Factors Predicting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Grief Following Comrade Loss

Abstract

This study explored how “inhibiting factors” associated with military-bereavement impact combatants’ psychological sequelae following comrade loss. One hundred six eligible Israeli combat male-soldiers completed the Texas-Revised-Inventory of Grief, the post-traumatic-stress-disorder symptoms scale (PSS), the Male Role Norms Scale, the Social Acknowledgment Questionnaire, and a scale assessing Military Encouragement to Grieve (MEG-8). Time since loss had no impact on soldiers' levels of PSS or prolonged grief. Regression analysis indicated that higher masculinity-perception and disapproval from the family predicated higher PSS, above and beyond grief. Conversely, lower disapproval from the family, and higher disapproval from the general community, predicted higher grief, above and beyond PSS. Also, military encouragement significantly mediated the positive relationship between masculinity and sense of social-recognition. The results show how inhibiting factors contribute differently to the perpetuation of PSS and grief. This interplay sheds light on soldiers’ “external” and “internal” loss processes of traumatic bereavement. The practical implications to treatment are also discussed.