Target population: Active duty military personnel and veterans who have been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan since 2001.
Intervention to be evaluated: This is not an intervention study. Instead, the goal is to evaluate the extent of emotional, psychological, and behavioral functioning of active duty OIF/OEF service men and women and returning OIF/OEF veterans who were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and particularly the extent of behaviors likely to be underreported, yet still may constitute important risk factors for post-deployment difficulties.
Summary of research design: This project aims to gain important information about the true extent of mental health concerns and engagement in high risk behaviors which, either alone or together, are linked with PTSD and post-deployment psychological, emotional, behavioral, and familial difficulties. This will be the first study of its type using this population to employ a novel methodology known as the Unmatched Count Technique (UCT) which increases anonymity, and has shown excellent sensitivity in producing more accurate assessment of base rates for behaviors linked with under-reporting and stigma. Consenting participants will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: UCT-A, UCT-B, or UCT-C. All participants will complete one of three UCT measures plus a battery of empirically validated measures of psychological functioning. UCT-A consists of 15 sets of five innocuous statements. UCT-B consists of 15 sets of five innocuous statements plus one target statement (e.g. PTSD symptoms, high risk behaviors). UCT-C consists solely of the 15 target statements (control condition). The anticipated time to complete the assessment battery will be 1.5 hours.
Inclusion criteria: Between the ages of 18 and 59; deployed at least once since 2001 to Iraq and/or Afghanistan; willing to respond to an online assessment battery comprised of the UCT measures and related measures of psychological functioning.
Exclusion criteria: Non-military personnel, or veterans who did not serve in OEF or OIF.
Sample size: (N=1,500).
Recruitment strategy: Participants will be recruited nationally via the internet, through coordination with active duty military installations, Department of Defense, VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, and via dissemination efforts by project staff.
Method(s) of data collection: Anonymous internet-based self reporting. “Validation” checks will be required to verify, to the extent possible, that the participant is an active duty service member or veteran who has been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan since 2001.
Participant Reimbursement: Participants will be compensated via check in the amount of $25 for completing the online assessment battery. We will also offer up to three (3) $500 cash lottery prizes to aid in recruitment. (odds of winning 1/500).