The relationship between PTSD development and religious affiliation in service members and veterans who have seen active combat

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health condition affecting service members (SMs) exposed to combat. Research indicates a high prevalence of PTSD among military populations, with symptoms ranging from intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal to emotional numbing and functional impairment (Foa et al., 2024; Wisco et al., 2014; Yehuda et al., 2015). The role of religious affiliation and coping mechanisms in PTSD development and recovery remains a subject of investigation, with studies yielding mixed findings regarding their protective and risk-enhancing effects (Koenig, Youssef, & Ames, 2019; Abu-Raiya, Pargament, & Krause, 2015; Park et al., 2024; Sharma et al., 2017). This study examines the relationship between religious affiliation, religious coping strategies, and PTSD symptoms in combat-exposed SMs. Specifically, it evaluates (1) whether religiously affiliated individuals exhibit lower PTSD symptom severity compared to non-religious individuals, (2) the association between positive and negative religious coping strategies and PTSD symptomatology, and (3) differences in PTSD symptoms across various religious affiliations. Statistical analyses include a chi-square test and independent samples t-test to assess differences in PTSD prevalence based on religious affiliation, linear regression to evaluate the effects of religious coping strategies on PTSD scores, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests to determine variations in PTSD symptoms across religious groups. Data collection is currently nearing completion. The findings contribute to the understanding of religion as a potential factor influencing PTSD outcomes, with implications for targeted clinical interventions and mental health support tailored to military populations (Koenig et al., 2018; Sharma et al., 2017; Moreira-Almeida, Koenig, & Lucchetti, 2014).