Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Soldiers

Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Relation to Appetitive Aggression in Burundian Soldiers Deployed in a Peace-keeping Mission in Somalia

Soldiers in conflict or former conflict regions deployed in peace-keeping missions were and are often exposed to multiple traumatic events and situations in which they are forced to engage in violent behavior. The Preventive Narrative Exposure Therapy (Pre-NET) aims to reinforce resilience thereby reducing the risk of developing or aggravating PTSD or other mental disorders as a result of traumatic experiences. The effective prevention of mental disorders as a result of war deployment is expected to facilitate reintegration in civil life after deployment and reduce uncontrolled violence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Exposure to traumatic experiences derived from expert interviews with scores of the Traumatic Life Event List for War and Torture
• Soldiers are part of the Burundian army and of the joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of mind altering drugs
• Psychotic symptoms