Implications of Posttraumatic Stress Among Military-Affiliated and Civilian Students

Abstract

Objectives Determine whether posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) are associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences, as well as academic correlates among military-affiliated and civilian students. Participants Final sample (n = 248) included 78 combat exposed student service members/veterans, 53 non-combat exposed student service members/veterans, 38 ROTC students, and 79 civilian students. Method Self-report data was collected spring 2011 via a web-based survey measuring PTS, problem drinking, alcohol-related consequences, GPA, educational self-efficacy, academic amotivation and persistence. Results Military students exposed to combat-related trauma reported significantly greater PTS symptoms than other military and civilian groups. PTS symptoms were associated with problem drinking and alcohol-related consequences for all groups, yet unrelated to academic correlates among those exposed to combat-related trauma. Conclusions This study adds to the scant literature base exploring the unique characteristics of student service members/veterans in higher education.

Student Veteran perceptions of facilitators and barriers to achieving academic goals

“…Consistent with prior research, mental and physical health problems were perceived as barriers to achieving academic goals [12,14]. Most postdeployment mental health problems can be treated with evidence-based treatments [39], and prior research [28] suggests that those with mental health concerns who get treatment may be more likely to use the GI Bill.…”

“…Challenges that have emerged include issues associated with being nontraditional students (e.g., significant age differences from peers), mental (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], traumatic brain injury [TBI]) [12][13][14][15] and physical health problems [15][16] and perceived institution-policy inefficiencies in the implementation of the GI Bill's provisions (e.g., faculty and staff who are unfamiliar with military or Veteran culture) [17][18][19][20][21]. A qualitative study of 25 student Veterans identified self-perception of being a nontraditional student as a risk factor for not achieving academic goals [8].…”

Mental Health and Self-directed Violence Among Student Service Members/Veterans in Postsecondary Education

“…22 In a different analysis, Barry and colleagues found that student service members/veterans who experienced trauma related to combat were more likely to report posttraumatic stress than either their civilian peers or their military-experienced peers without exposure to combat. 23 In one of the only studies that currently focuses on student veterans and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, Rudd, Goulding, and Bryan (2011) noted elevated prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a national sample of student veterans. 2 In particular, the authors noted that the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was higher in their sample of student veterans than estimates from a large national sample of college students.…”

Student Service Members and Veterans Who Access Pastoral Care for the Purposes of Mental Health Support

“…29 Trauma related to hazardous duty experiences is also thought to lie at the heart of many behavioral and mental health concerns among SSM/V. 5 Experiences during hazardous duty may lead some SSM/V to turn to, or, conversely, reject religious/spiritual support. 30 …”

“…2 Student service members and Veterans (SSM/V) may struggle with a variety of mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder), behavioral health concerns (e.g., substance abuse, trouble concentrating), and lack of emotional support from their civilian peers. [3][4][5][6] Such observations have led to a greater emphasis on meeting the mental and behavioral health needs of SSM/V. 7 Responding to the healthcare needs of SSM/V may necessitate a wide, inter-professional approach to address diverse clinical needs.…”