Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Shari Jorissen

Abstract

An estimated 200,000 U.S. service members transition to civilian life each year and experience life-altering changes that can negatively affect how they function, their abilities, and their overall wellness. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between demographics and wellness (RQ1) and differences in wellness between combat and noncombat veterans when controlling for the number of years since discharge (RQ2). Data were collected using the General Well-being Schedule, and a sample of 144 veterans participated. The results were explored through the framework of military transition theory. Statistical analyses used included multiple linear regression and ANCOVA. The RQ1 model (gender, branch of service, rank at discharge, service type, years served, and years since discharge) explained approximately 16% of the variance (R2 = 0.157, F (6,132) = 4.091, p = .001) in the dependent variable of self-perceived wellness. Branch of service (B = 3.706, p < .05), rank (B = 6.096, p < .05), and years served (B = .552, p < .05) were the only independent variables related to self-perceived wellness at statistically significant levels (null was partially rejected). For RQ 2, the difference in mean wellness score was not statistically significant (F (1, 136) = 1.429, p = .234) between combat (M = 52.924) and noncombat (M = 57.170) veterans (null hypothesis was retained). The results of this study have potential implications for positive social change as they can be used in veteran transition services to improve and individualize the services offered based on the variables determined to be related to wellness.

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