Date of Award

5-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Tony C. Andenoro

Abstract

This grounded theory research study examines communication preferences among combat veterans suffering from combat stress-related injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, general anxiety, and substance abuse. The study employed personal interviews of a purposive sample of such veterans and constant comparative analysis of the data to derive grounded theory. The author suggests a path to find the most effective communication strategies and channels to reach other veterans who are suffering from combat stress experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 2.4 million service members have deployed to these combat theaters, with up to 90 per cent experiencing the kind of trauma that can result in PTSD. The respondents sought credible sources of information about their injuries. These combat veterans report that credibility has two primary factors – shared combat experience or medical knowledge of their conditions expressed without judgment. Family members also serve as critical pathways of information about the veteran’s behavior and how it affects others.

Comments

All rights reserved.

Download

Share

COinS