Existing literature highlights that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after military deployment not only affects the formerly deployed veteran, but when the veteran has a family, has detrimental effects on the entire family. While research suggests that social support can have a positive mediating effect on the impact of PTSD, we know little about how veteran families experience the impact of PTSD, and how this relates to their experiences of formal and informal social support. Drawing on a hermeneutic phenomenological framework, we addressed this gap by exploring perceptions and experiences of formal and informal social support in six Danish veteran families. We found veteran families to be closely involved with formal and informal social support structures. However, the social support available did not always match their needs or understandings of helpful social support. Some families experienced an overload of social support or perceived the provided social support as inappropriate or prescribed. We construe these three types of social support as misguided social support—support that did little to meet their actual needs—on the contrary. We discuss how families come to experience and understand social support as an overload, or as inappropriate or prescribed; and what it takes for social support not to be experienced as misguided. We suggest that in order to meet families’ social support needs, tailored social support and improved collaboration between (in)formal social support structures and veteran families may promote more meaningful social support of veteran families affected by PTSD.
Search Results
Library (625)
Research in Action (13)
Showing library results for: social support
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Misguided social support? How Danish veteran families affected by PTSD experience formal and informal social support
APA Citation:
Pollmann, J. B., Nielsen, A. B. S., & Skovdal, M. (2023). Misguided social support? How Danish veteran families affected by PTSD experience formal and informal social support. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 7(1), Article 100462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100462
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Pollmann, Jeanette Bonde; Nielsen, Anni B. S.; Skovdal, Morten
2023
Association between social support and mental health conditions in treatment-seeking Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel
APA Citation:
Ketcheson, F., King, L., Richardson, J.D. (2018). Association between social support and mental health conditions in treatment-seeking Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 4(1), 20-32. https://jmvfh.utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/jmvfh.2017-0001
Focus:
Mental health
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Ketcheson, Felicia; King, Lisa; Richardson, J. Donald
2018
Despite limited research on the topic, it has been observed that military members face unique challenges with social support. The current study used data provided by treatment-seeking Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members (N=666) to: (1) determine whether symptomatology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression (MDD), anxiety, and suicidal ideation (SI) increased as level of perceived social support decreased; and (2) identify if the level of perceived social support is associated with PTSD, MDD, and anxiety symptom distress and SI frequency; this was done while controlling for demographic factors. Social support was measured using a single item grouped according to “low,” “medium,” and “high” levels of perceived support. Overall, adequate social support was low with less than one-third (29%) of participants reporting a high level. There was an inverse association between social support and symptom distress for all mental health conditions, whereby those who perceived low social support had significantly greater symptom distress than those who perceived medium social support, who in turn reported significantly greater symptom distress than those perceiving high social support. Social support was significantly associated with all mental health conditions when controlling for demographic variables. The effect of social support on PTSD and SI affected Veterans and CAF members differently. Our study highlights the difficulty this population faces in maintaining adequate social support alongside military-related mental health disorders. More research is required to fully understand the role of social support in military populations.
A qualitative descriptive study: Veteran reintegration and their experiences with social support networks
APA Citation:
Evans, A. S. (2021). A qualitative descriptive study: Veteran reintegration and their experiences with social support networks [Doctoral dissertation, Grand Canyon University]. ProQuest. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2610413740?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Other
Evans, Alana S.; Nancy Walker
2021
The increase in the number of enlisted veterans transitioning from active duty to the civilian world has drawn attention to a need for research regarding the transition process and the use of social support networks to examine how separated service members experience the transition from their perspective. This qualitative descriptive study explored how U.S. military veterans described their experiences with social support networks and how they provided support as they transitioned from military to civilian life. Sixteen participants from three military branches in two cities, located in Texas, participated in this study to better understand the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life with the use of social support networks. The conceptual framework for this study was Schlossberg’s Transition Theory with the 4S Model. The four data sources included open-ended questionnaires with embedded demographic questions, semi-structured interviews, and two focus groups. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed how veterans conceptualized their transition experience, positive/negative views of the military transition resources, and the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of social support networks. The three themes that emerged from this study were (1) Rationale for Joining the Military and Subsequent Re-entry Following Transition Challenges; (2) Experiences Navigating the Transition Process and Areas of Need; and (3) Social Support and Military Network Services Necessary for the Transition Process.
Understanding combat veterans and their social supporters’ experiences related to trauma and combat veteran suicide: A qualitative case study
APA Citation:
Bullock, M. (2022). Understanding combat veterans and their social supporters’ experiences related to trauma and combat veteran suicide: A qualitative case study [Ed.D., Liberty University]. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3631
Focus:
Veterans
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Other
Bullock, Martisa
2022
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand combat veterans and their social supporters’ experiences related to trauma and mitigating combat veteran suicide. The research questions were: What are combat veterans and their social supporters’ understandings and experiences related to trauma? What do combat veterans and their social supporters identify as significant aspects of support in mitigating suicidal ideation and suicide? The theories guiding this study were interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide and the psychache theory as these theories address the connections between suicidal thought processes and the trauma that contributes to them. This multiple case study consisted of open-ended interviews with combat veterans and their social supporters. Thematic coding was utilized to analyze collected data. Findings consisted of six themes: emotions, traumatic experiences, behavioral changes or transitions, support, and suicide. The discussion highlighted veteran marital complications, military maltreatment, perceptions of support, and what was deemed useful for helping combat veterans cope with trauma and reduce suicide ideation. The main recommendations from this research are to increase peer support and further research into stigmas experienced by combat veterans.
From soldier's wife to widow: Exploring the lived experience of the military widow and the impact of social support networks
APA Citation:
Singer, L. (2022). From soldier’s wife to widow: Exploring the lived experience of the military widow and the impact of social support networks. [EdD, Creighton University]. https://dspace2.creighton.edu/xmlui/handle/10504/136168
Focus:
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Navy
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Other
Singer, Lynette
2022
Within the military environment, the risk for early death among members of the military exposes their spouses to become widowed at a younger age, with the highest statistical potential for widowhood falling underneath the median age of widowhood usually studied. The aim of this qualitative phenomenological study was to better understand the lived experiences of the military widow and discern which social support systems are most beneficial. The purpose of this study was to determine the significance, structure, and efficacy of available social support networks for widows in the military environment. A review of current literature identified a lack of research pertaining to young widowhood, specifically military widowhood. The primary data was provided by semistructured interviews with 10 military widows representing four branches of the military. The interview questions explored the impact military culture, key drivers of successful coping, the advantageous social support systems, the role of military widow organizations, and how military widowhood could be better addressed. Five key findings emerged. Military culture, the availability of stable social support, the applicability of current support practices, the importance of military widow support organizations, and the importance of peer support all impacted the lived experience of the military widow. Future research to better understand the lived experience of the military widow includes comprehensive studies on all phases of military widowhood, including widows not currently associated with a military widow organization, and studies of casualty assistance officer training and support.
Impact of perceived social support on mental health, quality of life, and disability in post–9/11 U.S. military veterans
APA Citation:
Proescher, E., Aase, D. M., Passi, H. M., Greenstein, J. E., Schroth, C., & Phan, K. L. (2020). Impact of perceived social support on mental health, quality of life, and disability in post–9/11 U.S. military veterans. Armed Forces & Society 48(10), 115-135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327x20919922
Focus:
Mental health
Veterans
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research
Proescher, Eric; Aase, Darrin M.; Passi, Holly M.; Greenstein, Justin E.; Schroth, Christopher; Phan, K. Luan
2020
This study examined the impact of perceived social support on mental health and psychosocial functioning in combat veterans after military deployment, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Veterans (n = 139; female = 23) completed self-report and clinician-administered measures of social support, mental and physical health, functional impairment, and quality of life. The cohort was divided into high, medium, and low perceived social support based on averages of the total score from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Relative to the low perceived social support group, the high perceived social support group reported fewer symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The high perceived social support group also reported a more diverse and embedded social network, less disability, and better quality of life. Of note, the high and low perceived social support groups did not differ on age, gender, education, race ethnicity, or combat trauma exposure. These findings highlight that perceived social support may play an important role in the treatment of postwar veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
7 Military lifestyle stressors and social support in the well-being of military families
Military lifestyle stressors and social support in the well-being of military families
APA Citation:
Dursun, S., Wang, Z., & Pullman, L. (2019). Military lifestyle stressors and social support in the well-being of military families. In The Politics of Military Families (pp. 105–120). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429026492-8
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Other
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Book Chapter
Dursun, Sanela; Wang, Zhigang; Pullman, Lesleigh; René Moelker, Manon Andres, Nina Rones
2019
The military lifestyle presents military families with many challenges. In the most recent survey of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) spouses, relocation was the third-most frequently reported stressor for CAF families. Yet the other four of the top five stressors—spousal employment, primary healthcare, financial stability, and childcare—can be affected by relocations resulting from postings. To what extent these stressors affect spousal well-being is unclear, however, because many spouses demonstrate a high level of well-being despite experiencing these challenges. This chapter examines the extent to which military lifestyle stressors influence military spouses’ well-being and the role of social support as both a predictor of well-being and as a buffer against stress–strain relations. The results show that many military lifestyle stressors (e.g., employment difficulties, relocation difficulties, financial stress, and healthcare access) were associated with specific types of well-being, but only perceived social support was a strong predictor of all types of well-being. Further, the results reveal a main effect rather than a stress buffer for the positive influence of perceived social support on military spouses’ well-being.
Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members
APA Citation:
Jaffe, A. E., Walton, T. O., Walker, D. D., & Kaysen, D. L. (2023). Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 36(3), 537-548. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22908
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Jaffe, Anna E.; Walton, Thomas O.; Walker, Denise D.; Kaysen, Debra L.
2023
Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are underutilized by active duty service members in the United States. Social support may help service members overcome avoidance and facilitate treatment utilization. In turn, treatment utilization may improve social support. To evaluate these possibilities, the aim of the current study was to examine potential reciprocal associations between social support and treatment utilization among service members. Secondary analyses were conducted on a randomized controlled trial of 161 U.S. military service members with PTSD. Participants completed assessments of perceived social support and attendance at individual therapy sessions at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. To determine reciprocal relations between social support and treatment utilization, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model with a two-part variable for treatment utilization (i.e., any therapy, and if so, dose). There were no between-person associations between average social support and treatment utilization. One prospective cross-lagged within-person association emerged as significant: social support at 3 months was negatively associated with any therapy use at 6 months; the model explained 26.1% of the variance in this observed variable. The findings revealed that low social support promoted subsequent treatment utilization, but such treatment did not lead to changes in social support. This suggests service members with PTSD may have been motivated to attend individual therapy in pursuit of social connection and support. Future research is needed to determine if reciprocal associations between various forms of social support and therapy utilization differ by treatment modality.
9 Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders
Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders
APA Citation:
(=Pavlacic, J. M., Witcraft, S. M., Allan, N. P., & Gros, D. F. (2023). Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(10), 2337-2350. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23554
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
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Research
Pavlacic, Jeffrey M.; Witcraft, Sara M.; Allan, Nicholas P.; Gros, Daniel F.
2023
Objective: An understanding of the incremental value of social support in predicting psychopathology above transdiagnostic risk factors could speak to the benefit of leveraging social factors into existing, evidence-based interventions in veterans with emotional disorders. This cross-sectional study aimed to expand our understanding of associations between domains of anxiety sensitivity and facets of psychopathology in veterans with emotional disorders. We also determined whether social support predicted psychopathology above anxiety sensitivity domains and combat exposure and explored these relationships with a path model. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six treatment-seeking veterans with emotional disorders completed diagnostic interviews and assessments of demographics, social support, symptom measures (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress), and transdiagnostic risk factors (i.e., anxiety sensitivity). After data screening, 150 were included in regressions. Results: Using regression analyses with cross-sectional data, cognitive anxiety sensitivity concerns predicted PTSD and depression above combat exposure. Cognitive and physical concerns predicted anxiety, and cognitive and social concerns predicted stress. Above combat exposure and anxiety sensitivity, social support predicted PTSD and depression. Conclusion: Focusing on social support in tandem with transdiagnostic mechanisms in clinical samples is critical. These findings inform transdiagnostic interventions and recommendations related to incorporation of assessment of transdiagnostic factors in clinical contexts.
10 Change in social support while participating in behavioral activation for PTSD
Change in social support while participating in behavioral activation for PTSD
APA Citation:
Campbell, S. B., Fortney, J., Simpson, T. L., Jakupcak, M., & Wagner, A. (2019). Change in social support while participating in behavioral activation for PTSD. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(8), 905-908. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000470
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Campbell, Sarah B.; Fortney, John; Simpson, Tracy L.; Jakupcak, Matthew; Wagner, Amy
2019
Objective: Lack of social support predicts the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, social dysfunction is associated with recurrent episodes of PTSD care, and detachment/estrangement from others is a strong predictor of suicidal ideation among those with PTSD. Thus, treatments to improve social functioning among those with PTSD are needed. Method: Eighty veterans of recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing treatment as usual to behavioral activation (BA) for PTSD, a treatment that focuses on reducing avoidance behaviors and increasing engagement in valued goals rather than explicitly confronting trauma memories. Results: Mixed-model regression analyses revealed that, accounting for gender, baseline PTSD, and marital status, participants who received BA experienced greater improvements in the number of social supports from baseline to posttreatment compared with those in treatment as usual (F1,96 = 6.29, p = .014). Gains were not maintained at 3-month follow-up, and significant results were not found for satisfaction with social supports. Conclusions: BA may facilitate an increase in the perceived number of social supports available to veterans with PTSD, but treatment adaptation may be necessary to maintain these gains and to increase satisfaction with social support. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
11 Who supports the troops? Social support domains and sources in active duty Army networks
Who supports the troops? Social support domains and sources in active duty Army networks
APA Citation:
Barr, N., Petry, L., Fulginiti, A., Arora, A., Cederbaum, J., Castro, C., & Rice, E. (2023). Who supports the troops? Social support domains and sources in active duty Army networks. Armed Forces & Society. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X231182907
Focus:
Physical health
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Barr, Nicholas; Petry, Laura; Fulginiti, Anthony; Arora, Anil; Cederbaum, Julie; Castro, Carl; Rice, Eric
2023
Social support is a critical determinant of military service members’ mental and behavioral health outcomes, but few studies have investigated social support types and sources in the mixed family and military social networks in which service members are embedded. We applied multilevel logistic regression modeling to investigate links between active-duty Army Soldiers’ individual demographic and military characteristics, relational characteristics, and social support outcomes, in sample of 241 active-duty U.S. Army personnel. Results showed that participants who rated unit cohesion higher were more likely to report receiving informational, emotional, and mental health help-seeking support. Participants were more likely to receive informational, emotional, and help-seeking support from a romantic partner or deployment buddy than a relative and less likely to receive help-seeking support from males than females. Findings highlight the critical importance of both unit level and external relationships in meeting Soldiers’ social support needs.
12 Facing the fear: Resilience and social support in veterans and civilians with PTSD
Facing the fear: Resilience and social support in veterans and civilians with PTSD
APA Citation:
Wall, C. L. & Lowe, M. (2020). Facing the fear: Resilience and social support in veterans and civilians with PTSD. Journal of Aggression, Conflict, and Peace Research, 12(2), 75-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-11-2019-0455
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Trauma
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Wall, Charlotte Louise; Lowe, Michelle
2020
Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of resilience and social support on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of 121 veterans (n = 56) and civilians (n = 65). Design/methodology/approach Gender, age and marital status were collected, along with occupation for civilians and the unit served with, rank, length of time deployed, overall months active and location for veterans. The trauma experiences scale for civilians, the PTSD checklist for civilian and military, Resilience Research Centre’s Adult Resilience Measure-28, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Deployment Risk and Resiliency Inventory-2 scales were used. Findings The results revealed for both samples, resilience and social support (except unit support for veterans) impacted PTSD symptoms. However, social support did not mediate the relationship between resilience and PTSD. Practical implications Implications for policy and practice were discussed. Originality/value The originality of this research stems from the incorporation of both a civilian and military sample by comparing their levels of PTSD, resilience and social support.
The mediating role of social support on the relationship between PTSD and aggression: Examining racial/ethnic differences
APA Citation:
Kilgore, R. (2022). The mediating role of social support on the relationship between PTSD and aggression: Examining racial/ethnic differences [Ph.D., The University of Texas at San Antonio]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2754452368/abstract/7748D4F111C147CCPQ/1
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Other
Kilgore, Rebecca
2022
The goals of the current project were 1) to examine whether there were significant indirect effects of social support on the relationship between PTSD severity and both physical and psychological aggression over the course of the deployment cycle, and 2) to determine whether said indirect effects varied by ethnicity. Models consistent with both “Social Erosion” and “Social Causation” theories of the role of social support were examined using a multiple-groups half-longitudinal design using a sample of N = 4120 servicemembers who were assessed both pre- and post-deployment. Results showed that all the autoregressive effects were significant, as was the path relating pre-deployment PTSD and post-deployment social support, providing support for the “Social Erosion” model. Interestingly, social support was not associated with physical or psychological aggression, contrary to studies in the extant literature. None of the paths in the models examined varied by ethnicity. Results indicate that individuals with higher levels of pre-deployment PTSD are at risk for substantial strains within their support networks, and that they should be monitored to make sure family and social relationships do not deteriorate over the course of the deployment cycle.
Relationship of perceived neighborhood danger with depression and PTSD among veterans: The moderating role of social support and neighborhood cohesion
APA Citation:
Galovski, T. E., Rossi, F. S., Fox, A. B., Vogt, D., Duke, C. C., & Nillni, Y. I. (2023). Relationship of perceived neighborhood danger with depression and PTSD among veterans: The moderating role of social support and neighborhood cohesion. American Journal of Community Psychology, 71(3-4), 395-409. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12655
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Galovski, Tara E.; Rossi, Fernanda S.; Fox, Annie B.; Vogt, Dawne; Duke, Christopher C.; Nillni, Yael I.
2023
Little is known about the impact of perceived neighborhood danger on military veterans' mental health, a population potentially at higher risk for this experience, or whether interpersonal social support and neighborhood cohesion can help buffer against poor mental health. This study examined: (1) the impact of perceived neighborhood danger on depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans; (2) whether interpersonal social support and neighborhood cohesion can mitigate these effects; and (3) how prior trauma history may interact with these factors. Six moderation models were examined using data from 3049 veterans enrolled in the Longitudinal Investigation of Gender, Health, and Trauma study, a mail-based survey that oversampled for veterans in high crime neighborhoods. Most notably, results indicated that perceived neighborhood danger was associated with increased depression and PTSD (all p < .001). Interpersonal social support or neighborhood cohesion mitigated the effect of perceived neighborhood danger on veterans' depression, but, only for those without prior trauma (all p < .011). For trauma-exposed veterans, interpersonal social support was more effective in mitigating the effect of perceived neighborhood danger on depression than neighborhood cohesion (p = .006). Findings help inform interventions to improve the mental health of veterans living in high crime neighborhoods.
15 A study of substance abuse, traumata, and social support systems among homeless veterans
A study of substance abuse, traumata, and social support systems among homeless veterans
APA Citation:
Benda, B. B. (2005). A Study of Substance Abuse, Traumata, and Social Support Systems Among Homeless Veterans. Journal Of Human Behavior In The Social Environment, 12(1), 59-82. https://doi.org/10.1300/J137v12n01_04
Focus:
Mental health
Substance use
Veterans
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Research
Benda, Brent B.
2005
This study of 310 women and 315 men, homeless veterans, who abuse substances is designed to examine predictors of readmission to inpatient drug treatment in a two-year follow-up. It appears to he the first study of gender differences in predictors of readmission among homeless veterans, and it examines the possibilities that various social support systems mediate or moderate the relationships between different traumatic experience over the life span and readmission. The findings show that social supports only partially mediate the relationships between traumata and readmission, and certain supports moderate some of these relationships, especially for women. The implications of these findings for understanding readmission of homeless substance abusers and for social services are discussed.
Social causation or social erosion? Evaluating the association between social support and PTSD among veterans in a transition program
APA Citation:
Cox, D. W., Baugh, L. M., McCloskey, K. D., & Iyara, M. (2018). Social causation or social erosion? Evaluating the association between social support and PTSD among Veterans in a transition program. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 5(1), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2017-0040
Focus:
Programming
Deployment
Trauma
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Cox, D. W.; Baugh, L. M.; McCloskey, K. D.; Iyara, M.
2018
ntroduction: Social support’s association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Veterans is well established. One explanation for this link is social causation – support inhibits PTSD. Inversely, within the social erosion model, PTSD erodes support. The aim of the present study was to examine if the social causation or social erosion model better explained the association between support and PTSD within a psychosocial intervention context. Methods: Veterans (N = 218) participating in a multimodal transition program were assessed pre-program, post-program, and at 3-month follow-up on their perceived social support and PTSD symptoms. We used path analysis to conduct a three-wave cross-lagged panel model to compare the social erosion and social causation models. Results: PTSD symptoms were associated with attenuated improvements in social support, while social support was not associated with increased reductions in PTSD symptoms. This association was observed from pre- to post-program and from post-program to follow-up. Discussion: These findings support the social erosion model over the social causation model. Clinical implications of PTSD inhibiting interpersonal gains are discussed.
Unit cohesion and social support as protective factors against suicide risk and depression among National Guard Service members
APA Citation:
Rugo, K.F., Leifker, F. R., Drake-Brooks, M. M., Snell, M. B., Bryan, C. J., & Bryan, A. O. (2020). Unit cohesion and social support as protective factors against suicide risk and depression among National Guard service members. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 39(3), 214-228. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2020.39.3.214
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Rugo, Kelsi F.; Leifker, Feea R.; Drake-Brooks, Malisa M.; Snell, Michael B.; Bryan, Craig J.; Bryan, Annabelle O.
2020
Introduction: Suicide and depression continue to be pervasive problems across military populations, including within the National Guard. Existing literature highlights the protective effects of social support and unit cohesion for both suicide risk and depression, yet to our knowledge, these associations have never been confirmed in National Guard populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of social support resources (i.e., general social support and unit cohesion) on depression and suicide risk among a large sample (n = 877) of National Guard service members.Methods: Multilevel modeling was used to examine the impact of social support resources on depression and suicide ideation at both the individual and unit level.Results: Results indicated that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of depression and suicide ideation at both the individual and unit levels. Additionally, higher levels of perceived unit cohesion significantly predicted lower levels of depression and suicide ideation at the individual, but not unit level.Discussion: Limitations include self-report measurement and cross-sectional nature of the data. These findings hold implications for improvement of operational climate within military units and reduction of suicide risk and depressive symptoms among National Guard service members.
18 Relationship between depression and social support in military wives
Relationship between depression and social support in military wives
APA Citation:
Retana, B. (2020). Relationship between depression and social support in military wives [Masters Thesis, California State University, Northridge]. ScholarWorks.
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Other
Retana, Brenda; Jodi Brown
2020
This study explored the relationship between depression and social support among military wives of active duty military personnel during a deployment or a separation, due to a duty assignment, schooling, field training mission, or unaccompanied tour. A total of 150 surveys were completed by participants ranging from 18 to 46 and older. All participants were experiencing separation at the time the study was conducted. Quantitative results revealed no statistically significant correlation between depression and social support of military wives. Nevertheless, qualitative results reveal separation to be a difficult and challenging time in the lives of these military spouses. Further research should explore the military spouse's challenges that military spouses have to overcome during their husband's deployment or separation , in order to provide further support and assist military wives, during difficult transitions in their lives.
Longitudinal associations of friend-based social support and PTSD symptomatology during a cannabis cessation attempt
APA Citation:
Carter, S. P., DiMauro, J., Renshaw, K. D., Curby, T. W., Babson, K. A., & Bonn-Miller, M. O. (2016). Longitudinal associations of friend-based social support and PTSD symptomatology during a cannabis cessation attempt. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 38, 62-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.01.008
Focus:
Substance use
Trauma
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research
Carter, Sarah P.; DiMauro, Jennifer; Renshaw, Keith D.; Curby, Timothy W.; Babson, Kimberly A.; Bonn-Miller, Marcel O.
2016
Research supports bidirectional associations between social support and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whereby social support may buffer against PTSD, and individuals with PTSD may experience decreasing support over time. Research examining contexts that may affect these relations is needed. This study examined the longitudinal associations between PTSD and social support from friends over a 6-month period in 116 veterans with cannabis dependence who had recently initiated an attempt to quit cannabis use. A cross-lagged autoregressive model revealed a significant, negative relation between earlier PTSD symptoms and later support. An exploratory multigroup analysis comparing those with and without a relapse in the first month after their quit attempt revealed that the significant negative association between PTSD and future support was present only in those who relapsed. Although this analysis was limited by a small sample size, results suggest that substance use may be an influential contextual variable that impacts the longitudinal associations between PTSD and support.
The role of social support and disclosure on posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder in adult survivors of adverse childhood experiences
APA Citation:
Schaer, D. (2021). The role of social support and disclosure on posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder in adult survivors of adverse childhood experiences. [Psy.D., Alliant International University]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2572568976/abstract/7488E0684C4419DPQ/1
Focus:
Mental health
Trauma
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Other
Schaer, Danielle
2021
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological experience or change in person’s life in response to traumatic life events (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). It has become known and accepted that social support and disclosure have been related to developing PTG in male combat veterans (Danoff-Burg & Revenson, 2005; Gottlieb & Bergen, 2010; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004; Taku et al., 2009). There is lack of empirical research regarding predictors of females and their ability to develop PTG. The current study looked at social support and disclosure to better understand if they are predictors for developing PTG in females who experienced an adverse childhood experience (ACE). A total of 141 females above the age of 18 fully completed an online survey. An independent t-test and several Pearson’s correlations were used to assess the relationship between disclosure, social support, and developing PTG. Results from this study found a positive relationship between current perceived social support and disclosure, a positive relationship of developing PTG when the individual felt supported after disclosing their traumatic event, and a positive relationship between current perceived social support and PTG. Results also revealed that of the ACEs, those who disclosed that they were emotionally neglected as a child, were the least supported compared to the other five categories (physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and household dysfunction). The implications of these findings, including clinical implications and future research are discussed.Keywords: posttraumatic growth, social support, disclosure, adverse childhood experience
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