Abstract

In 1990-1991, shortly after the Persian Gulf War, a number of veterans began complaining about a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which were; fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance, low mood, and memory loss. These symptoms were similar to those experienced by individuals with Medically Unexplained Illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Somatoform Disorders. Utilizing structural equation modeling and data gathered from the Gulf War Veterans Health Questionnaire, this study attempted to determine whether symptoms experienced by veterans were best explained as individual items, discrete illnesses, or as a conglomeration of symptoms (i.e. Gulf War Illness). Three models were proposed: a single factor, a five factor, or a second order model, and run in EQS. Results indicate a strong fit for the second order model indicating the presence Gulf War Illness as a separate, unifying concept that best accounts for symptoms experienced by veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Treatment recommendations and future considerations are discussed.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Kendal Boyd

Second Advisor

Louis Jenkins

Third Advisor

Matt Riggs

Fourth Advisor

David Vermeersch

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2010

Date (Title Page)

9-2010

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Persian Gulf Syndrome -- etiology; Veterans -- psychology; Combat Disorders; Military Medicine; Models, Structural.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

ix; 61

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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