The Impact of Military Service Exposures and Psychological Resilience on the Mental Health Trajectories of Older Male Veterans.
J Aging Health
; 33(3-4): 237-248, 2021 03.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33345683
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.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Veterans
/
Resilience, Psychological
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
J Aging Health
Journal subject:
GERIATRIA
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States