Does combat exposure affect well-being in later life? The VA Normative Aging Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Combat exposure can have long-term negative effects in later life; although aspects of service may be appraised positively, the long-term positive effects of combat on well-being in later life is largely unknown.

Method

The sample included 1,006 male veterans from the VA Normative Aging Study, surveyed by mail in 1986, 1990, and 1991 (Mage = 65.5 years, SD = 7.3). They reported on their combat exposure, desirable appraisals of military service, unit cohesion, dispositional optimism, self-rated health, and psychological well-being (PWB), as well as age, military rank, and education. Perceived positive aspects (PPA) of military service was postulated to mediate the effects of combat exposure on PWB. Structural equation modeling was used to examine both mediating and

SUBMITTER: Lee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5659959 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature