Combat exposure undermines student veterans' achievement of a meaningful life through its association with health-related symptoms: A longitudinal study. Issue 2 (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kinney, Adam R.; Schmid, Arlene A.; Henry, Kimberly L.; Douglas Coatsworth, J.; Eakman, Aaron M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 69:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Combat exposure -- meaning in life -- psychological wellbeing -- service-related health conditions -- student Veterans; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1656637
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To understand whether symptoms of health conditions explain the negative association between combat exposure and student Veterans' achievement of a meaningful life. Participants: 153 combat Veterans enrolled in college between November 2013 and April 2018. Methods: Through an online survey, participants reported combat exposure, health status (symptoms of conditions such as depression), and aspects of a meaningful life (belonging, self-understanding, and doing) at two time points. Path analysis was used to explore whether baseline health status mediated the relationship between combat exposure and belonging, self-understanding, and doing at follow-up. Results: Indirect effects indicated that the negative influence of combat on student Veterans' sense of belonging, self-understanding, and doing at follow-up was mediated by poor health at baseline. Conclusions: Combat exposure may contribute to the development of health conditions, which in turn limit student Veterans' experience of three aspects of a meaningful life: a sense of belonging, self-understanding, and doing.