Vulnerability and resilience among older South Korean Vietnam war veterans: A latent profile analysis.

Abstract

Relatively little is known about South Korean Vietnam War veterans, despite their being the second largest contingent of troops during the Vietnam War. Earlier research found elevated levels (39%) of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this older population, due to high exposure to combat and malevolent environments (Lee et al., 2020). The present study investigated classes of vulnerability and resilience among older South Korean Vietnam War veterans, using a latent profile analysis (LPA) on PTSD symptoms, late onset stress symptomology (LOSS), and mental well-being (MWB). The sample consisted of 367 older male veterans from South Korea (M age = 72, SD = 2.66) who completed surveys. The LPA yielded five classes. The largest (38%) was Average (average PTSD, LOSS, and MWB levels), and the second largest (31%) was characterized by Moderate Distress (moderately high PTSD and LOSS, average MWB). A small group (13%) reported Low Affect (low PTSD, LOSS, and MWB levels), and 7% expressed Severe Distress (high LOSS and PTSD levels, average MWB). Only a small percentage (12%) were characterized by Resilience (low PTSD, average LOSS, high MWB). Optimism, positive appraisals of military service, and social support from family, significant others, friends, and military peers were highest among veterans in the Resilience class. To our knowledge, this is the first study of resilience among East Asian military veterans, and more research is needed on how resilience can be improved. Impact StatementThe purpose of this study was to examine the phenotypes of mental health among Korean Vietnam War veterans, using a latent profile analysis. This study shows that veterans' positive and negative metal health outcomes can exist on separate dimensions rather than a single bipolar dimension. The findings suggest that interventions for veterans' mental health should include both reducing negative psychological symptoms and increasing well-being, focusing on improving their resilience based on personal and social resources.

Resilience to Stress and Adversity: A Narrative Review of the Role of Positive Affect

“…In a sample of over 1100 Spanish university students, Yubero et al 28 found a weaker negative relationship between chronic bullying victimisation (at school and university) and psychological wellbeing among those with higher levels of trait resilience , suggesting a buffering effect. Finally, Lee et al 26 employed a clustering analysis of posttraumatic stress symptoms and mental wellbeing in a sample of 367 South Korean male veterans of the Vietnam War, which yielded five distinct classes, including groups labelled “resilient”, “moderate distress”, and “severe distress”. The resilient group, who reported the highest levels of wellbeing, scored higher than the other groups on a range of resilience resources, including optimism, positive appraisals of military service, and social support .…”

Introduction to the special issue: Psychological resilience in public service settings.

“…Two other studies looked at resilience among veteran subpopulations. In Lee et al (2022), latent profile analysis revealed four classes of vulnerability and resilience among South Korean Vietnam veterans, the smallest of which was characterized by high resilience. Factors most associated with higher resiliency are discussed.…”