scholarly journals Correlates of Psychological Well-being Among Korean Vietnam War Veterans

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 908-908
Author(s):  
Hyunyup Lee ◽  
Sungrok Kang ◽  
Soyoung Choun ◽  
Carolyn Aldwin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Vietnam Veterans ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Well Being ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans

Abstract Prior research on Veterans’ mental health has largely focused on identifying risk and protective factors for negative psychological symptoms such as PTSD. However, mental health indicates not merely absence of psychopathology, but also the existence of positive psychological well-being (Keyes, 2005). Thus, the current study aimed to examine the correlates of psychological well-being, which is less studied, in an Asian sample, Korean veterans. Data for this 2017 study were from Korean Vietnam War Veterans Study. Participants were 348 male veterans, and their mean age was about 72 years old (SD = 2.7, range = 65-84). Using Keyes’ (2002) classification criteria, psychological well-being was divided into three types: flourishing (9.5%), moderately health (59.95%), and languishing (25.3%). Own-way analyses of variance showed that the groups did not differ in demographic variables (age, marital status, education, and income). Further, there were no differences in combat exposure, negative appraisals of military service, smoking, and alcohol consumption. However, significant group differences were found for resources; Scheffé's post-hoc analyses indicated that optimism, positive appraisals of military service, four types of social support (family, significant others, friend, and military peer), and self-rated health were significantly different among the groups, and highest in the flourishing group. The moderately health group showed higher levels of positive appraisals of military service and four types of social support than the languishing group. Thus, the majority (about 60%) of Korean Vietnam veterans were moderately psychologically healthy in this sample, but those with positive psychosocial resources were more likely to be healthiest.

scholarly journals Classification of Mental Health among Korean Vietnam War Veterans: A Latent Profile Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 637-637
Author(s):  
Hyunyup Lee ◽  
Carolyn Aldwin ◽  
Sungrok Kang ◽  
Xyle Ku
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans ◽  
Latent Profile

Abstract We investigated the dimensional structure of mental health among aging Korean Veterans using latent profile analysis (LPA) on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD), late onset stress symptomology (LOSS), and psychosocial well-being (PWB). The Korean Vietnam War Veterans Study consists of 367 men (Mage=72, SD=2.66). LPA identified five classes of mental health as best fitting the data. Most men were in the normal (38%) and moderate distress (31%) groups, while smaller proportions were in the low affect (13%) and severe distress (7%) groups. The resilient group (12%) had low PTSD, medium LOSS, and high PWB, and were highest on optimism, positive appraisals of military service, and social support. Negative and positive aspects of mental health outcomes were on separate dimensions rather than on a single bipolar dimension. Service providers should attempt to both reduce Veterans’ negative psychological symptoms and increase psychosocial well-being. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Aging Veterans: Effects of Military Service across the Life Course Interest Group.

scholarly journals The Mental Health of Older Veterans Ages 58-99 Years: 2016-2017 VE-HEROeS Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 170-170
Author(s):  
Yasmin Cypel ◽  
Paula Schnurr ◽  
Robert Bossarte ◽  
William Culpepper ◽  
Aaron Schneiderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Summary Score ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Veteran Status ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans

Abstract Mental health and its correlates were examined in U.S. Vietnam War veterans approximately fifty years after the War. The 2016-2017 VE-HEROeS (Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study) was a mail survey of the health of U.S. Vietnam War veterans who served between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 and matched US non-veteran controls. ‘Veteran status’ represented wartime experience for three cohorts: ‘theater’ veterans with service in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos, non-theater veterans with service elsewhere, and non-veterans with no military service. Veterans and non-veterans, aged 58-99 years, were randomly selected from a veteran sampling frame (n=9.87 million) derived from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ USVETS dataset and a commercial address database, respectively. Questionnaires were mailed to 42,393 veterans and 6,885 non-veterans; the response rate for veterans was 45% (n=18,866) and 67% (n=4,530) for non-veterans. Weighted bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine poor overall mental health, via the SF-8TM Mental Health Component Summary score (MCS), and other mental health measures by veteran status and socioeconomic, health, and other military characteristics. Nearly 50% of all theater veterans reported poor overall mental health (MCS<50). Prevalence of mental health measures was greatest for theater veterans and successively decreased for non-theater veterans and non-veterans. Key correlates significantly (P< 0.02) associated with poor MCS included veteran status, race/ethnicity, income, physical health, health perception, trauma, distress, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (Primary Care DSM-5 PTSD screen), and drug use. Results indicate a high burden of poor mental health among those who served in-theater.

scholarly journals The Influence of Social Support on Dyadic Functioning and Mental Health Among Military Personnel During Postdeployment Reintegration

2016 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Cederbaum ◽  
Sherrie L. Wilcox ◽  
Kathrine Sullivan ◽  
Carrie Lucas ◽  
Ashley Schuyler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Military Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Objectives: Although many service members successfully cope with exposure to stress and traumatic experiences, others have symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety; contextual factors may account for the variability in outcomes from these experiences. This work sought to understand mechanisms through which social support influences the mental health of service members and whether dyadic functioning mediates this relationship. Methods: We collected cross-sectional data as part of a larger study conducted in 2013; 321 military personnel who had at least 1 deployment were included in these analyses. Surveys were completed online; we collected data on demographic characteristics, social support, mental health measures (depression, PTSD, and anxiety), and dyadic functioning. We performed process modeling through mediation analysis. Results: The direct effects of social support on the mental health of military personnel were limited; however, across all types of support networks, greater social support was significantly associated with better dyadic functioning. Dyadic functioning mediated the relationships between social support and depression/PTSD only when social support came from nonmilitary friends or family; dyadic functioning mediated social support and anxiety only when support came from family. We found no indirect effects of support from military peers or military leaders. Conclusion: Findings here highlight the need to continue to explore ways in which social support, particularly from family and nonmilitary-connected peers, can bolster healthy intimate partner relationships and, in turn, improve the well-being of military service members who are deployed.

scholarly journals Prediction of Psychological Well-Being in the Elderly by Assessing their Spirituality, Gratitude to God, and Perceived Social Support

Salmand ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-159
Author(s):  
Majid Sadoughi ◽  
◽  
Fatemeh Hesampour ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Stepwise Regression ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Objectives: Today, psychological care for the elderly has received increasing attention due to potential threats posed by aging, loneliness, gradual decline in physical activity, increase of chronic diseases, social isolation, and physical and mental disabilities. The positive psychology approach to mental health seeks to promote the mental health of people by identifying and developing mental abilities and competences. The present study aimed to predict psychological well-being of the elderly based on the components of positive psychology including spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive correlational study conducted on 211 elderly people aged 60-70 years (109 males and 102 females) who were selected randomly. Data collection tools were a demographic form (surveying age, gender, education, marital status, and socioeconomic status), and Paloutzian and Ellisons’ Spirituality Well-Being Scale, short form of Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale, Emmons and Crumpler’s Gratitude to God Questionnaire, and Zimet’s Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software V. 22 by using descriptive (Mean and Standard Deviation), Pearson correlation test, and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Mean and Standard Deviation of different study variables were reported as follows: Psychological well-being =7.1±10.68; Spirituality =90.22±15.36; Gratitude to God =14.09±2.41; Social support from family members =21.6±4.2; Social support from friends =16.5±5.8; and Social support from significant others =20.23±5. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that spirituality (F1,209=62.02, P=0.001), social support from family members (F1,208=11.06, P=0.001), and gratitude to God (F1,207=4.80, P=0.001) could significantly explain 27% of the psychological well-being variance in the elderly.  Conclusion: Increased spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support especially from family members can improve psychological well-being of the elderly. Hence, Strengthening and paying special attention to their spiritual needs and perceived social support as well as planning health care for them can help increase their psychological well-being. 

Post-War Tourism in the Reconciliation Process of New Zealand Vietnam War Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 108-134
Author(s):  
Maria Dorsey
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Vietnam Veterans ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Post War ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reconciliation Process ◽  
Positive Force

Tourism has the potential to act as a positive force in reconciliation efforts between countries. The basis of tourism in facilitating reconciliation is premised on people coming into contact with one another in non-adversarial settings, which support a higher probability that positive effects can result from this contact. The investigation on post-war tourism and its role in moving the reconciliation process forward has been limited. Since the Vietnam War ended, there has been a growing phenomenon of Vietnam War veterans returning to visit Vietnam. This chapter examines the impact of New Zealand Vietnam veterans' visits to post-war Vietnam on the reconciliation process with the Vietnamese and with self.

Gratitude and hedonic and eudaimonic well-being in Vietnam war veterans

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd B. Kashdan ◽  
Gitendra Uswatte ◽  
Terri Julian
Keyword(s):  
Vietnam War ◽  
Well Being ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans

scholarly journals MILITARY SERVICE AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG KOREAN VIETNAM WAR VETERANS

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 646-647
Author(s):  
H Lee ◽  
S Choun ◽  
H Lee ◽  
S Kang ◽  
D Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Military Service ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans

scholarly journals Impact of Military Service in Vietnam on Coping and Health Behaviors of Aging Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne M. Stellman ◽  
Steven D. Stellman ◽  
Avron Spiro ◽  
Anica Pless Kaiser ◽  
Brian N. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Vietnam War ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Current Ptsd ◽  
Vietnam War Veterans ◽  
Ptsd Symptomatology

Many Vietnam War veterans who experienced military trauma still exhibit PTSD symptomatology. Little is known about how new stressful situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic, affect previously traumatized people or whether they will react differently to them. We explore whether military combat experiences in Vietnam affect veterans' perceived abilities to cope with COVID-19 and whether current PTSD symptoms and later-adulthood reengagement with trauma memories are related to coping. We examine the extent that current PTSD symptoms and trauma reengagement relate to preventive practices. Participants were part of a randomly sampled cohort of American Legionnaires who responded to two previous surveys (1984, 1998), were born 1945-1953 and deployed to Vietnam 1963-1973, thus representing an aging veteran population. A survey supplement assessed coping with the pandemic and adherence to public health guidelines. The response rate was 74% (N = 507); 422 (61.6%) completed the COVID-19 supplement. Military experiences were found to affect coping with 41.4% reporting they affected ability to cope with COVID-19. Medium- and high-combat veterans were more likely to report that military experience affected coping than low-combat (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.51–3.96; 2.6, 95% CI 1.41–4.61, respectively). Those with high PTSD scores had 7.7-fold (95% CI 4.3–13.17) increased likelihood of reporting that their coping was affected, compared to low-PTSD scorers. Few adopted social distancing (4%), staying at home (17%), or ceasing usual activities (32%); high-combat veterans were least likely to stay home. Veterans who practiced handwashing, sanitizer use, mask-wearing, and surface disinfection had significantly higher PTSD scores than those who did not. Veterans with higher scores on the LOSS-SF scale associated more reengagement with trauma memories and were more likely to engage in personal preventive strategies. Analysis of open-ended responses supported these findings. We conclude that fifty years after returning from Vietnam, PTSD scores were high for high-combat veterans, suggestive of PTSD diagnosis. Military experiences affected coping with COVID both positively and negatively, and may have helped instill useful personal health behaviors. Veterans, especially those with PTSD symptomatology, may have special needs during stressful times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting compliance with recommended practices, as well as their overall health and well-being.

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