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Article
The Causes, Course, and Consequences of Anger Problems in Veterans Returning to Civilian Life
Journal of Loss and Trauma (2013)
  • Miranda E Worthen, San Jose State University
  • J. Ahern, University of California - Berkeley
Abstract

While anger is a common problem for veterans returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, veterans’ understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of anger has not been explored. We conducted this qualitative study to learn veterans’ perspectives about their anger problems. We identify and describe three distinct patterns of anger problems that emerged as a consequence of 1) loss of structure during reintegration to civilian life, 2) moral injury sustained through a wartime experience, and 3) posttraumatic stress disorder. While anger problems tended to be short lived for those experiencing loss of structure, problems persisted for years for those with moral injury or PTSD. Anger following all three patterns negatively impacted veterans’ experiences with reintegration. We discuss the implications of these findings.

Publication Date
2013
Citation Information
Miranda E Worthen and J. Ahern. "The Causes, Course, and Consequences of Anger Problems in Veterans Returning to Civilian Life" Journal of Loss and Trauma (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/miranda_worthen/17/