Late-Life Emergence of Early-Life Trauma

Abstract

This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence for, and explore potential antecedents and correlates of, a phenomenon observed in aging combat veterans termed late-onset stress symptomatology (LOSS). LOSS is a hypothesized phenomenon among older veterans who (a) experienced highly stressful combat events in early adulthood; (b) functioned successfully throughout their lives, with no chronic stress-related disorders; but (c) begin to register increased combat-related thoughts, feelings, reminiscences, memories, or symptoms commensurate with the changes and challenges of aging, sometimes decades after their combat experiences. Using a qualitative focus group methodology with 47 World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam War veterans, the authors obtained preliminary evidence for the presence of LOSS as defined, identified some of its features, revealed some normative late-life stressors that may precipitate LOSS, and uncovered potential intrapersonal risk and resilience factors for LOSS. The authors present illustrative quotations from the group discussions and discuss the implications and future directions of this research.

Distress and Resilience After Cancer in Veterans

“…For example, it would be useful to know the level of combat-PTSD prior to the cancer diagnosis, as it is possible that our post-cancer measurement of combat-PTSD symptoms was contaminated by the cancer experience. The experience of cancer could have triggered a reemergence of combat stress-related symptoms for some (Davison et al, 2006). In this instance we were only able to acquire data 6-and 12-months postdiagnosis.…”

Understanding the Impact of Early-Life Trauma in Nursing Home Residents

“…A. Anderson et al symptomology (LOSS; Averill & Beck, 2000;Davison et al, 2006;Yehuda et al, 2009). Researchers have also found that individuals who have experienced early-life trauma may become more vulnerable to maladies of health and compromised well-being and functioning as they age (e.g., Davison et al, 2006;Graziano, 2003).…”

“…Anderson et al symptomology (LOSS; Averill & Beck, 2000;Davison et al, 2006;Yehuda et al, 2009). Researchers have also found that individuals who have experienced early-life trauma may become more vulnerable to maladies of health and compromised well-being and functioning as they age (e.g., Davison et al, 2006;Graziano, 2003). Providing care to older adults who have experienced early-life trauma can be challenging, as past memories of these difficult experiences impact their reactions to caregiving activities (e.g., bathing, dressing) and environmental factors (e.g., lighting, smells, uniforms; David & Pelly, 2003).…”

Sierra Leone's Former Child Soldiers: A Follow-Up Study of Psychosocial Adjustment and Community Reintegration

“…In Sierra Leone, it is important to note that a number of programs have evolved to attend to the consequences of rape and other forms of gender-based violence, however very little attention has been given to addressing the mental health consequences of perpetrating atrocities. Certainly research from other wars has indicated that such experiences have profound developmental consequences and pose persistent risks for mental health problems (Davison et al, 2006;Grossman, 1996;King & King, 1999).Without more targeted attention to support these young people to make the best of the opportunities available to them in development efforts, the risks facing this particularly vulnerable cohort are likely to become more intractable. Such lost opportunity will have personal consequences for the youth in question, a compelling enough reason to act on human rights grounds alone.…”