Final answer:
Dr. DeMarco's study is a longitudinal study set to investigate the progression of mental abilities and memory in migrants with war-related trauma over five years in relation to PTSD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. DeMarco is conducting a longitudinal study, which is designed to follow the same group of individuals over a period of time. In this case, the study involves migrants who have experienced war-related trauma, and they will be evaluated annually for five years to assess the progression of their mental abilities and memory in relation to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Longitudinal studies such as this are crucial in understanding the long-term impacts of traumatic experiences on mental health. They can help identify factors that may contribute to the development or mitigation of PTSD, and how it affects cognitive function over time.
Given the high prevalence of PTSD among veterans and the associated risk factors as indicated in various studies, this type of research is essential for the development of effective treatments for disorders like PTSD, where the act of recollection itself can be disabling. Such studies can also contribute to policies and practices that support the mental well-being of individuals who have served in the military or have been affected by war.