One of the primary risk factors for the development of PTSD is combat exposure. Veterans with trauma exposure and PTSD are more susceptible to sleep disorders, mood changes, reckless behavior, substance use and isolation which may impede a successful transition from military to civilian life. PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts in which the trauma is re-experienced, avoidance of situations that might trigger the trauma, a state of hyperarousal or vigilance and negative alterations in cognition and mood which may cause irritability and aggression. PTSD is a result of traumatic or stressful life events, and it can interfere with social, physical and psychological functioning. Research indicates that an estimated 30% of Vietnam, 10% of Gulf War, 15% of Iraq veterans and 11% of veterans returning from Afghanistan struggle with PTSD. The prevalence of PTSD among veterans ranges from 11 to 30% based on the area of service.
Evidence suggests that veterans are especially at risk of developing PTSD due to the potential stressors associated with combat exposure and military-related trauma. One such challenge transitioning veterans may encounter is unmet mental health needs, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known about the role social connectedness may play in promoting positive transition outcomes. However, developing a new sense of connectedness is one of many challenges separating service members may face. Re-establishing a new sense of community is essential for veterans transitioning out of the military and into civilian life.
military provides a substantial opportunity for a sense of community, belonging and understanding. Study findings indicate social connectedness may be an important factor related to PTSD in veterans as well as an intervention point for mitigating risk related to combat exposure and discharge status. Both combat experiences and non-honorable discharge status demonstrated negative direct effects on social connectedness and indirect on PTSD through the social connectedness pathway. Results demonstrated positive direct effects for combat experiences and non-honorable discharge status on PTSD symptoms while social connectedness demonstrated a negative direct effect. A path model was specified to test direct and indirect effects of combat experiences, non-honorable discharge status, and social connectedness on PTSD symptoms. Data used were drawn from a needs assessment survey of 722 veterans.
The purpose of this study was to explore the role of social connectedness in the development of PTSD, as well as its relationship to the known risk factors of combat exposure and discharge status.
Little is known about how social connectedness may be related to other prominent transition outcomes, particularly symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Leaving military service requires establishing a new community as well as sense of connectedness to that community. Service members who transition out of the military often face substantial challenges during their transition to civilian life.
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