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Professor Joseph Scotti, the lead researcher on the West Virginia Returning Soldiers Study presented results related to soldiers mental health, yesterday to the US Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Scotti, a WVU psychology professor, says, nearly half of West Virginians serving in combat zones with the National Guard or Reserves suffer from the stresses of war but don't always seek treatment for fear of jeopardizing their employment or military careers.
The study sought to record experiences of veterans who applied for a $600 bonus approved by the Legislature in 2004. The findings were based on 848 responses.
The study found that part-time National Guard and Reserve members serving in combat are exposed to the same level of stress as full-time soldiers, but experienced greater negative psychological and daily functioning problems.
Forty-seven percent of the respondents indicated symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and/or depression.
The study was sponsored by the West Virginia Legislature.
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