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The Human-Animal Bond and Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

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The Human-Animal Bond and Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 1-1-2011 The umh an-animal bond and combat-related posttraumatic stress symptoms Melissa White Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons, and the Military and Veterans Studies Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Melissa White has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Ruth Crocker, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Stephen Lifrak, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Susana Verdinelli, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2013 Abstract The Human-Animal Bond and Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms by Melissa White MS, Walden University, 2010 BS, Park University, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2013 Abstract Early into the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, reports revealed that less than half of individuals displaying symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder sought help from the mental health community. As a means to cope with the stresses of war, many soldiers turned to animals for emotional support, and anecdotal reports identified reduction in the severity of distress among soldiers. However, no study was found that investigates this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of service members with combat-related posttraumatic stress symptoms and the human-animal bond. The study applied a blend of constructivism and phenomenology to address how the construction of knowledge and perception interacts with trauma exposure to develop distress—the diathesis-stress theory of posttraumatic stress disorder. The single research question inquired into the lived experiences of Operational Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms who have a companion animal. Data collection consisted of 12 in-depth, participant interviews, which were analyzed using the phenomenological techniques created by Moustakas. The analysis revealed 4 themes: (a) rich descriptions of deployment events, (b) the experiences of returning from a deployment, (c) participants’ perceptions on their pets’ influence on posttraumatic stress symptoms, and (d) other personal comments and opinions related to participants’ experiences. These findings illuminate the experiences of combat-related posttraumatic stress and the importance of animals in the therapeutic process. These detailed descriptions may help develop alternative treatment options and help policy makers assess the current management of posttraumatic stress in the military and Veteran’s Administration systems. The Human-Animal Bond and Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms by Melissa White MS, Walden University, 2010 BS, Park University, 2008 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy General Research and Evaluation Psychology Walden University November 2013 UMI Number: 3601485 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3601485 Published by ProQuest LLC (2013). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 Dedication To those suffering from combat-related posttraumatic stress and the four million animals euthanized in shelters across the United States each year. Acknowledgments Father – Abba, without You this dissertation would not have been possible. Only You truly know the highs and lows of this journey. To the only people on earth capable of handling my leash – Mom, Estelle, and Dr. Crocker – words cannot adequately describe the gratitude I have towards each of you. To all my friends who encouraged me during the past two years, thank you! Finally, to the volunteers who participated in this study – my co-researchers – thank you for trusting me with your experiences. You are this study. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ...................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................3 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ................................................................................. 3 Human-Animal Bond .............................................................................................. 7 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................8 Purpose of Study ..........................................................................................................11 Research Question .......................................................................................................13 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................13 Diathesis-Stress Theory of PTSD ......................................................................... 14 Human-Animal Bond ............................................................................................ 15 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................17 Definitions....................................................................................................................18 Assumptions .................................................................................................................20 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................22 Significance..................................................................................................................23 Summary ......................................................................................................................26 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................29 Conceptual Frameworks and Theoretical Foundation .................................................31 Constructivism ...................................................................................................... 31 i Phenomenology..................................................................................................... 32 Diathesis – Stress Theory...................................................................................... 34 History of a Disorder ...................................................................................................36 PTSD Prevalence .................................................................................................. 38 Risk Factors .......................................................................................................... 39 Treatment .............................................................................................................. 40 Lessons since the Vietnam War ...................................................................................42 Prevalence Rates ................................................................................................... 43 PTSD Screening .................................................................................................... 44 Risk Factors .......................................................................................................... 45 Utilization of Mental Health Programs ................................................................. 50 PTSD and VA Benefits ......................................................................................... 54 The Human-Animal Bond............................................................................................55 Prisons Programs .................................................................................................. 57 Other Settings........................................................................................................ 57 The Military .................................................................................................................59 Military history with the human-animal bond. ..................................................... 59 Therapeutic beginnings.
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