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Updated: May 15, 2026
10:32
Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Occupational performance needs of young veterans.
Heidi Lynn Plach1, Carol Haertlein Sells
1Department of Occupational Science and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, PO Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. bertrahl@uwm.edu
Summary
Young U.S. veterans face challenges in relationships, school, health, sleep, and driving after service. Many screened positive for mental health conditions and brain injuries, impacting daily life reintegration.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy
- Veteran health
- Reintegration studies
Background:
- Young U.S. veterans (aged 20-29 years) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face unique reintegration challenges.
- Understanding their occupational performance issues is crucial for effective support.
- War-related mental health conditions and brain injuries are prevalent concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify occupational performance challenges experienced by young U.S. veterans.
- To determine common mental health and brain injuries among this demographic.
- To explore veterans' motivations for engaging in daily occupations post-service.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure with 30 young veterans.
- Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, major depression, and alcohol use disorders.
Main Results:
- Top occupational performance challenges include engagement in relationships, school, physical health, sleeping, and driving.
- Prevalence rates for screened health conditions ranged from 23% to 77% among respondents.
- Significant barriers to daily life participation were identified.
Conclusions:
- Young veterans encounter substantial obstacles during community and daily life reintegration.
- Occupational therapy practitioners can play a vital role in supporting veteran reintegration.
- Evidence-based strategies are needed to address the complex needs of this population.
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