Risk and resilience factors associated with traumatic loss-related PTSD in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

Abstract: Purpose: Sudden death of a loved one is the most prevalent potentially traumatic event worldwide, yet little is known about risk and resilience factors associated with traumatic loss-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans were analyzed to identify sociodemographic, military, health and psychosocial correlates of traumatic loss-related PTSD. Results: Loneliness, somatic symptoms, and attachment style were the strongest correlates of PTSD symptom severity and positive screens for traumatic loss-related PTSD. Conclusion: Loneliness, somatic symptoms, and attachment style may represent therapeutic targets to help mitigate traumatic loss-related PTSD in U.S. veterans.