Transition from Military Service: Mental Health and Well-being Among Service Members and Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities
Author(s)
Bond, Gary R.; Al-Abdulmunem, Monirah; Drake, Robert E.; Davis, Lori L.; Meyer, Thomas; Gade, Daniel M.; Frueh, B. C.; Dickman, Ross B.; Ressler, Daniel R.; ... Show more Show less
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Abstract
Transitioning from military service is stressful for veterans with service-connected disabilities seeking civilian employment. This descriptive study examined self-assessed mental health, well-being, and substance use of men and women shortly before or after transition from US military service, compared to norms from community and military samples. As part of a prospective study evaluating an innovative employment program, researchers interviewed 229 current and former service members with service-connected disabilities transitioning from U.S. military service. Compared to published norms, respondents reported significantly poorer outcomes on 5 of 6 standardized measures, indicating less life satisfaction, poorer mental health, more symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, and greater financial distress. In the previous year, 42% were prescribed opioid medications, over twice the annual opioid prescription rate of 19% in the general US population. Systematic strategies are needed to ensure access for transitioning veterans with serious behavioral health issues to appropriate evidence-based practices.
Date issued
2022-01-26Department
Sloan School of ManagementPublisher
Springer US
Citation
Bond, Gary R., Al-Abdulmunem, Monirah, Drake, Robert E., Davis, Lori L., Meyer, Thomas et al. 2022. "Transition from Military Service: Mental Health and Well-being Among Service Members and Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities."
Version: Final published version