The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general violence as well as domestic violence and abuse (DVA)

Schaum, Nicola Christine (2020). The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general violence as well as domestic violence and abuse (DVA). University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and violence in the general population, as well as violence specifically towards an intimate partner or family member within military populations.

Aetiological factors contributing to the development of PTSD following exposure to a traumatic event as well as current assessment practices for PTSD are outlined. Development of the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is discussed, highlighting that despite its widespread use in clinical practice, it has not been validated within non-military populations. This is followed by a meta-analysis of literature which has considered the association between individuals with and without PTSD who have engaged in violence towards anyone who is not an intimate partner or family member. The aim of the meta-analysis was to pool prevalence rates of violence within PTSD samples. Pooled rates suggest much higher rates of violence within PTSD samples compared to non-PTSD samples than reported in individual studies. Due to high levels of heterogeneity between the samples and violence measures, however, caution is advised in generalising these findings.The meta-analysis highlighted the highest prevalence of violence to occur within military PTSD samples. A systematic review was therefore conducted to explore this further and extant literature was collated to examine the relationship between PTSD and Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) within military samples. It was not possible to calculate the relative risk (RR) of perpetrating DVA for those with PTSD as the numerical data required for these calculations was not consistently reported in the literature. The majority of data was collected from help-seeking clinical samples, limiting generalisability to the wider veteran population, particularly as existing research has emphasised that the time between military service discharge and presenting at a PTSD treatment clinic spans a number of years.

Implications of the discussed findings as well as avenues for future research are discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):