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Does combat exposure affect well-being in later life? The VA Normative Aging Study.
Hyunyup Lee1, Carolyn M Aldwin2, Soyoung Choun1
1Human Development and Family Studies, Oregon State University.
Psychological Trauma : Theory, Research, Practice and Policy
|April 28, 2017
Summary
Combat exposure can positively impact later-life well-being, but only indirectly through positive appraisals of military service. Focusing on these positive aspects may enhance resilience and promote optimal aging for veterans.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Combat exposure is linked to negative long-term effects, but its positive impacts on later-life well-being remain understudied.
- Positive appraisals of military service may buffer negative effects and promote well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the indirect effects of combat exposure on psychological well-being (PWB) in later life.
- To examine the mediating role of perceived positive aspects (PPA) of military service.
- To explore the influence of dispositional optimism and education.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 1,006 male veterans (VA Normative Aging Study).
- Data collected via mail surveys in 1986, 1990, and 1991.
- Structural equation modeling used to analyze relationships between combat exposure, PPA, optimism, and PWB.
Main Results:
- Combat exposure had indirect effects on PWB solely through PPA.
- Optimism and combat exposure independently affected PPA, but optimism did not moderate this relationship.
- Education influenced PWB indirectly through optimism.
Conclusions:
- Positive appraisals of military service mediate the relationship between combat exposure and later-life well-being.
- Encouraging veterans to focus on positive service aspects may foster resilience and support optimal aging.
- Findings highlight the importance of cognitive reframing in mitigating combat's long-term effects.
