Prior research has examined the independent effects of demographic and military characteristics, trauma history, and coping resources on military veterans' health. However, there is limited knowledge of how these factors intersect with one another and with veterans' health to impact their broader well-being as they readjust to civilian life. Data for this study were drawn from a longitudinal investigation of the health and broader well-being of U.S. veterans (N = 7150) who had recently left military service. Machine learning analyses (random forests of regression trees) were used to examine how factors assessed shortly after military separation were associated with veterans' well-being approximately a year later. Veterans who endorsed the combination of low depression, high social support, and high psychological resilience were most likely to report high well-being a year later. Neither demographic and military characteristics nor trauma history emerged as strong predictors of veterans' well-being when considered in the context of other factors. Although most predictors were similar for women and men, depression was a stronger predictor of women's well-being. Results highlight the importance of screening for and intervening with veterans who report high depression, low social support, and low psychological resilience when leaving military service. These findingsEvery year, more than 200,000 U.S. service members transition out of the military (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2018). Although most military veterans can be expected to successfully navigate this transition, a substantial minority of individuals struggle to adapt to post-military life (Vogt et al., 2020). Several theoretical models offer insight into why this might be the case. Among these is life course theory, which draws attention to the importance of earlier life events in influencing later life course outcomes, as well as the socioeconomic context in which individuals' lives unfold, which puts some groups at greater risk for poor outcomes (Elder et al., 2003). Based on this theory, it can be expected that veterans who have experienced highly stressful or traumatic events earlier in life, or who are members of disadvantaged groups (e.g. racial/ethnic minorities), might be at higher risk for poor well-being after leaving the military service. Cumulative advantage/disadvantage models (Sampson & Laub, 1997) and stress processing theories (Hobfoll, 1989;Pearlin et al., 2005) are also helpful in guiding expectations about which veterans are likely to struggle following military service. These models address the role that access to resources that can protect against stressors, as well as the impact that resource depletion, may have on individuals' subsequent life outcomes. Based on these theories, one might expect that veterans who report more social support, for example, would experience high post-military well-being, whereas those who report living with chronic health conditions would be less likely to experience high post-military well-being.Toge...
Research suggests that premarital counseling programs are effective; however, these programs are underutilized. In addition, little is known about beliefs and preferences of individuals prior to engaging in a committed relationship. This study examined the beliefs and preferences of premarital counseling with a sample of 249 young adults. Beliefs were examined in the context of the four main constructs of the Health Belief Model. Therapy preferences were also examined. Results suggest that perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits were unique predictors in the intention to participate. Specific barriers included the convenience of premarital counseling, viewing premarital counseling in terms of the relationship having problems, and the effectiveness of the premarital counseling leaders. Select therapy preferences included a leader/counselor that is trustworthy, professional, and experienced. In addition, young adults preferred to have the counseling close to work or home and have a maximum of six sessions with a cost of no more than US$150. Participants stated that communication, conflict resolution, and resolving differences were the most important topics to discuss in counseling. The results suggest that premarital programs should focus on diminishing the barriers and increasing the benefits for individuals. Programs should also acknowledge certain populations might have different counseling preferences and modify the programs accordingly in order to increase participation.
Background: Little is known about the link between flexible work arrangements and health behaviors, such as physical activity. This study aimed to explore how self-efficacy and daily barriers to physical activity influence daily levels of physical activity on workdays when university staff members used a flexible work arrangement (flextime or telework). Methods: Full-time university staff employees (N = 61, mean age = 41; 89% female) participated in this daily diary study. Participants completed an initial survey followed by daily surveys over the course of one workweek, resulting in 281 diary days. Results: The most frequently reported barriers to physical activity were as follows: lack of time, feeling tired, and not enough motivation. Multilevel models revealed that as the number of barriers increased, minutes of physical activity significantly decreased. Self-efficacy was not significantly related to daily physical activity. Participants reported fewer minutes of physical activity on flextime workdays compared to days when a flexible work arrangement was not used (ie, traditional workday). Daily use of a flexible work arrangement did not moderate the association between barriers and physical activity. Conclusions: This study illustrated the influence of daily barriers and flextime workdays on physical activity levels, which can inform workplace health programs for university staff.
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