Psych 190: Warriors At
Home
Understanding Adjustment
Reactions
Dr. Elena Klaw
Goals for Today
Warrior reflexes
Problems caused by stress
Understanding
Avoidance
Alcohol and coping
Strength based approach
Positive coping: self care
Relaxation exercises
What are Warrior Reflexes?
Hyper-arousal - role in warfare
Hyper-arousal - effects on civilian life
Limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex
Effects of extreme stress and sleep
deprivation
Cognitive distortions of threat
Discussion: Understanding
Adjustment Responses
How do warriors react physically,
emotionally, and behaviorally to stressful
events once they return home?
What Might a Veteran avoid?
Situations?
People?
Emotions?
Memories?
Physical states?
Maladaptive Coping:
Alcohol Problems (CAGE)
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on
your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your
drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your
drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the
morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a
hangover (eye-opener)?
Resources: VA MD, www.aa.org, www.mm.org
http://counsellingresource.com/lib/quizzes/drug-testing/alcohol-cage/
Strength Based Approach
What messages interfere with self care?
How can a veteran adopt new coping
skills?
Peer Interview:
Think of a difficult situation that you
overcame..
What effective coping methods did you
use?
Positive Coping: Self Care
Exercise
Sleep hygiene
Nightmare logs
Simple outlets: hobbies
Physical/Emotional/Intellectual/
Spiritual
Talking to care professionals
Relaxation Exercises
• Smooth Breathing
• Imagining Safety
• Muscle Relaxation