Abstract
M.A.
Violence being a prominent and invasive factor in South Africa has left many
people feeling powerless, hopeless and incapable of dealing and coping with
the effects that exposure to trauma has produced. This idea appears even
more disturbing if one considers that military personnel will inevitably be
exposed to some form of trauma in their employment history. As a result of
this traumatic exposure, many people develop post traumatic stress disorder or
symptoms thereof. The literature ind icates that certain variables may increase
vulnerability for the development of this disorder.
The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether or not there is a
relationship between Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms and axis II
personality traits using Millon’s Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI - III) as a
measure. The results of which will have major implications for our
understanding of PTS, as well as aid in the deployment of military personnel.
The sample comprised 5853 military personnel who completed the MCMI III
as part of a yearly project to determine their mental health status. Inferential
and descriptive statistical analyses were used on the data.
It was found, in accordance with previous literature findings, that narcissistic,
antisocial and borderline personality styles are the best predictors of PTS. In
addition, the study found that there is a significant relationship between PTS
and various personality styles, namely depressive, schizotypal, borderline,
passive -aggressive, compulsive, antisocial and narcissistic personality styles.
It is recommended that if the MCMI-III is used to scan military personnel prior
to combat, those with high scores on borderline, narcissistic and antisocial
personality scales, should be subjected to a more in-depth evaluation.