Association between exposure to combat-related stress and psychological health in aging men: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Exposure to military combat has been associated with myriad adverse health effects. Mechanisms are not well understood, but may include negative emotional states. The authors investigated the relationship between combat and trait anger and vital exhaustion among 5,347 middle-aged male participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Combat was significantly associated with trait anger, although results were limited to men of the Korean and Vietnam War eras. Among men of the Korean War era, combat- and noncombat veterans, compared to their nonveteran counterparts, reported more trait anger. Compared to their noncombat and nonveteran counterparts, Vietnam War era combat veterans reported more trait anger. Noncombat veterans from the World War II and Vietnam War eras reported lower vital exhaustion compared to nonveterans. Anger proneness may be a mechanism through which combat stress is associated with adverse health outcomes.