Examining the Structure of the PERMA Theory of Well-Being in Veterans With Mental Illnesses

Abstract

Assessing and improving veterans’ well-being, especially those veterans who are at risk for or experiencing mental illnesses, has received national attention. We examined (a) the structural validity of the Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) theory of well-being and (b) psychometric properties of the PERMA-Profiler in veterans with mental illnesses. The sample consisted of one-hundred and fifty-six veterans with mental illnesses. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hierarchical CFA were conducted to test one-factor, five-factor, and a second-order PERMA model. Our findings indicated that re-specified second-order model was found to have best model fit indices. The subconstructs of the PERMA were correlated with resilience and functional limitations in theoretically expected direction. The PERMA-Profiler scale was found to have strong internal consistency and acceptable concurrent validity in a sample of veterans with mental illnesses. Rehabilitation counseling clinicians and researchers can use the PERMA-Profiler to screen the five pillars of well-being and overall well-being in veterans with mental illnesses through the lens of an empirical PERMA theory of well-being.

Well-Being, PTSD, College Adjustment in Student Veterans With and Without Disabilities

“…Transition from military to civilian life can be very challenging and demanding for veterans, especially for those with disabilities, which causes significant distress and challenges for veterans. For example, many veterans may experience mental illness, pain, suicidal ideation, functional limitations, and disabilities causing significant challenges in transition, well-being, and quality of life (Umucu, 2021;Umucu et al, 2021a;Umucu et al, 2021b;Umucu et al, 2021c). We believe postsecondary education is a great opportunity to have a smooth transition to civilian and quality life for Veterans.…”

The impact of army resilience training on the self-stigma of seeking help in student veterans with and without disabilities.

“…Despite a need for seeking psychological services to cope with mental and physical health concerns, many veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts do not do so (Currier et al, 2016). Lack of seeking help can be due to multiple reasons, including military culture and treatment-related factors (Currier et al, 2016; Umucu, 2021). Military culture emphasizes thoughts and behaviors that view help-seeking behaviors as a weakness (Nash et al, 2009).…”

“…Whether due to military or premilitary experiences, veterans may internalize attitudes of self- or group-sufficiency, self-reliance, toughness, and mission focus, and this may have impacted the perceptions of those who seek services being equated with weak persons (Dickstein et al, 2010; Hoge et al, 2004; Jennings et al, 2015; Umucu, 2021; Weiss & Coll, 2011). In addition, young personnel who volunteer to join the military may conceive combat as a personal test of proving their capabilities in extremely demanding situations, so their self-concepts and self-esteem may depend on demands and outcomes of their military service (Nash, 2007).…”

Is Gratitude Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Veterans With Mental Illness and Student Veterans With PTSD Symptoms?

“…Our study was reviewed and approved as an exempt study by the University of Texas at El Paso's Institutional Review Board. This study is a part of an internally funded larger research project on veterans with mental illness (e.g., Umucu, 2020;Umucu et al, 2020c;Umucu et al, 2021). The data were collected by using Amazon MTurk, which is a reliable, valid, diverse, and cost-effective large data collection tool (Goodman et al, 2013;Rand, 2012).…”