Are there differences in rates of PTSD among ethnic minorities and whites?
Researchers have conducted various studies of PTSD in one or more of the ethnic minority Vietnam veteran populations. The results of the studies are not entirely consistent, but the overall finding seems to be that most ethnic minority veteran groups have a higher rate of PTSD than White veterans. Some or much of this may be due to psychological conflicts related to identification with the Vietnamese and/or due to higher exposure to war zone stressors. The various studies may have revealed different PTSD rates because of differences in the samples, use of different measures, or differences in whether the interviewer and participant were racially paired. Ethnic minority veterans may be more likely to disclose problems or engage in treatment when paired with a clinician of the same race. 1 Despite study differences, the trend suggests that being an ethnic minority may cause one to be more “at risk” for PTSD. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study found differences among Hispani
