Citation

Barry AE, Whiteman SD, MacDermid Wadsworth SM. J. Am. Coll. Health 2012; 60(8): 562-573.

Affiliation

a Department of Health Education and Behavior , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2012.721427

PMID

23157198

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences, as well as academic correlates among military-affiliated and civilian students. Participants: The final sample (n = 248) included 78 combat-exposed student service members/veterans, 53 non-combat-exposed student service members/ veterans, 38 ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) students, and 79 civilian students. Methods: Self-report data were collected spring 2011 via a Web-based survey measuring PTS, problem drinking, alcohol-related consequences, grade point average, educational self-efficacy, academic amotivation, and persistence. Results: Military students exposed to combat-related trauma reported significantly greater PTS symptoms than other military and civilian groups. PTS symptoms were associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences for all groups, yet unrelated to academic correlates among those exposed to combat-related trauma. Conclusion: This study adds to the scant literature base exploring the unique characteristics of student service members/veterans in higher education.

Language: en