Passivity as a sequel to combat trauma

The author has noted a pattern of posttraumatic passivity in some combat veterans. The regression to an ego-passive stance in those men who are unable to develop an integration of nonaggressive activity and intimacy is discussed. Vietnam combat was particularly difficult for the development of a mature superego. The loss of the ego-ideal in combat, combined with insufficient societal supports blocked the mastery of the posttraumatic repetition compulsion.