Deployment Preparation, Family Functioning, and PTSD in Returning Veterans

Abstract Returning veterans are at elevated risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychological disorder that is associated with poor family functioning and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Evidence suggests that better training and deployment preparedness can serve as a protective factor against PTSD; however, little research has analyzed their long-term impact on both PTSD and family outcomes. The current study examined the relationships among training and deployment preparedness, family functioning, and PTSD both cross-sectionally and prospectively in a sample of 98 post-9/11 veterans. Perceptions of deployment preparedness had a significant negative indirect effect on PTSD symptom severity through family functional impairment at baseline, and the effect remained significant at 8-month follow-up assessment. Veterans who indicated that they were better trained and prepared for deployment had significantly lower PTSD symptoms and family functional impairment, and these perceptions impacted long-term PTSD symptom severity. The results suggest that deployment training and preparedness can impact PTSD symptoms and family functioning, and have long-term consequences on veterans’ personal and family experiences.