Veterans in Classrooms: Post Traumatic Stress, Seating Preferences, and Achievement

Abstract: Anecdotal knowledge and qualitative research has suggested that previously deployed combat veterans prefer particular seating locations. Students at a university near a large army base chose preferred seats and answered survey items regarding trauma symptoms and academic achievement. There was a relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and preferred seating location, but the location was dependent upon if the student had been deployed. Similar relationship differences were found for academic achievement. From these results, it appears that amongst other factors, post-traumatic stress may impact student seating preferences, especially for students who have been exposed to combat in the military.