The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans

Abstract

Objectives: We examine the impact of exposure to the dead, dying, and wounded (DDW) during military service on the later-life depressive symptom trajectories of male United States veterans, using psychological resilience as an internal resource that potentially moderates negative consequences. Methods: The Health and Retirement Study (2006–2014) and linked Veteran Mail Survey were used to estimate latent growth curve models of depressive symptom trajectories, beginning at respondents’ first report of resilience. Results: Veterans with higher levels of resilience do not have increased depressive symptoms in later life, despite previous exposure to DDW. Those with lower levels of resilience and previous exposure to DDW experience poorer mental health in later life. Discussion: Psychological resilience is important for later-life mental health, particularly for veterans who endured potentially traumatic experiences. We discuss the importance acknowledging the role individual resources play in shaping adaptation to adverse life events and implications for mental health service needs.

The impact of resilience on the mental health of military personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic: coping styles and regulatory focus

“…Military personnel often face higher mental health risks than do civilians owing to their occupational characteristics of chronic exposure to high-pressure environments (6). In the existing literature, topics related to the mental health of military personnel are often based on clinical outcomes, such as a high incidence of psychiatric problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder) and increased rates of suicide (10)(11)(12). Due to the significant increase in military personnel experiencing mental health problems, it is critical to develop strategies to prevent psychological symptoms from developing into more serious psychiatric problems (13).…”

“…Extensive research has confirmed that resilience reduces the likelihood of mental health issues (12,(14)(15)(16)(17). Psychological resilience is seen as a positive psychological quality that can counteract the adverse effects of stressors, allowing individuals to experience fewer negative emotions, cope better in the face of unexpected events, and have a greater sense of subjective well-being (9,18).…”