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Powdermaker reviews statistically the records of three thousand merchant seamen treated at rest centers and finds certain characteristic personality traits, especially in those who have gone to sea for a number of years. A considerable number stated that they had gone to sea to escape from home and responsibilities. Although frequently claiming they had had a happy childhood and kind parents, many had had no contact with their families for years. The case records described eighty-five percent as pleasant, social and outgoing, but actual close observation revealed that their object relations were very shallow and ambivalent, with very poor marital adjustment the rule. Eighty percent were irresponsible in their attitude towards money: they were broke in short order after being paid off at the end of a trip, were frequently 'rolled' when drunk, loaned money freely when flush and borrowed freely when broke. They showed a general lack of interest in improving their ratings, but had strong feelings about the opinions of seamen held by outsiders. An interesting point noted by Powdermaker is that the overwhelming majority of alcoholic addicts do not drink at sea and do not want to, suggesting the possibility (not stated by the author) that going to sea is itself the equivalent of an addiction which replaces alcohol and makes it unnecessary. About the meaning of going to sea, Powdermaker states: 'The family appears to be supplanted by the ship. It offers a life with companionship but without social or personal responsibilities except the job, which is very clearly defined and set… The seaman appears to select this occupation because it provides a situation in which he can find satisfactions and avoid loneliness, responsibilities and emotional ties which are intolerable to him. The strength of the need can be measured by the former deplorable conditions with which seamen have put up through the ages.'
About ninety percent of the men had been exposed to enemy action