The Role of Psychological Symptomatology and Social Support in the Academic Adjustment of Previously Deployed Student Veterans.

CONTEXT

Research has indicated that returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans are experiencing mental health concerns following deployment. Increasing numbers of veterans are enrolling in higher education institutions; there is a scarcity of empirical research investigating student veterans' experiences as they transition into college.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of psychological distress and social support on academic adjustment among a sample of student veterans who were previously deployed.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 117 military veterans enrolled in college. Questionnaires were administered via SurveyMonkey from June 2012 to April 2013.

RESULTS

Results indicated that military unit support during deployment, current social support, anxiety, and posttraumatic symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, were significantly associated with academic adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the current study can be used by college administrators and counseling centers to improve service delivery and programming specifically for student veterans.