Vogt, D., Smith, B. N., Fox, A. B., Amoroso, T., Taverna, E., & Schnurr, P. P. (2017). Consequences of PTSD for the work and family quality of life of female and male U.S. Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans. Social Psychiatric Epidemiology, 52(3), 341-352. doi:10.1007/s00127-016-1321-5

The work and family quality of life of post-9/11 Veterans as well as the gender-specific impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on Veterans’ work and family outcomes was analyzed. There were 524 post-9/11 Veterans recruited through the Department of Defense who participated in both time points of the longitudinal study. Several gender differences were found among Veterans with PTSD compared to those without PTSD.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1321-5

Mental health
Other
Veterans

Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy

Veteran

Veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)

Empirical Stud
Longitudinal Study
Quantitative Study

Vogt, Dawne, Smith, Brian N., Fox, Annie B., Amoroso, Timothy, Taverna, Emily, Schnurr, Paula P.

Purpose Although it is well established that combat-related PTSD can lead to reduced quality of life, less is known about the relative effect of PTSD on different aspects of former service members’ post-military readjustment. Moreover, research on female veterans’ reintegration experiences is limited. This study aimed to document the work and family quality of life of post-9/11 male and female veterans and evaluate the gender-specific impact of PTSD on veterans’ work and family outcomes. Methods A national sample of 524 post-9/11 veterans completed mailed surveys as part of a longitudinal study. Descriptive and regression-based analyses were gender-stratified and weighted to enhance representativeness to the larger population. Results With a few notable exceptions, the majority of post-9/11 U.S. veterans reported high work and family quality of life. PTSD was not associated with either employment or relationship status; however, it did predict poorer work and family functioning and satisfaction for both men and women, with the most consistent negative effects on intimate relationships. Several gender differences were found, primarily with respect to work experiences. Conclusions Although most post-9/11 veterans appear to be doing well in both their work and family lives, results support the need for interventions that can mitigate the negative effect of PTSD and other associated mental health conditions on several aspects of work and family quality of life. Findings contribute to research suggesting both similarities and differences in the post-military readjustment of male and female post-9/11 veterans and underscore the need for additional consideration of the unique work-related challenges women experience following military service.

Springer

Article
REACH Publication

Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, DV
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, BNS
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, ABF
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, TA
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, ET
National Center for PTSD, VA Medical Center, PPS