First Advisor
Softas-Nall, Basilia
Document Type
Dissertation
Date Created
5-1-2011
Department
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, APCE Student Work
Abstract
The number of military service members and veterans entering college is increasing with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Estimates vary on the percentage of veterans suffering from physical and mental health concerns including traumatic brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder. Many returning service members arrive on college campuses battling physical or psychological disabilities.
The transition from military to college life is complex and can be difficult to successfully navigate for many. Given the important role of perceived social support for individuals dealing with trauma, especially veterans, little is known about current levels of support for student veterans on college campuses. Even less is known about the perceptions and desires of student veterans presently attending college.
This study examined the following six research questions: (a) to what extent do previous military deployments relate to college adjustment; (b) are multiple deployments to combat zones more likely to increase adjustment difficulties; (c) to what degree does posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relate to college adjustment; (d) to what extent does permanent physical injury from deployment relate to college adjustment; (e) to what degree does level of unit support relate to college adjustment; and (f) to what extent does level of postdeployment support relate to college adjustment?
Survey results from 128 student veterans/military at two- and four-year institutions were examined through multiple regressions. There was statistical significance at the p < .05 level for three of six research questions. The PTSD, unit support, and postdeployment support variables contributed uniquely to the explanation of college adjustment. Student veterans and military with higher levels of reported PTSD symptoms had lower levels of college adjustment; whereas, those who reported higher levels of unit support and postdeployment support had higher levels of college adjustment.
The current study supports previous research and demonstrates the importance of perceived social support in dealing with life transitions and trauma. Social support buffers the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder as well. The results of the current study give institutions of higher education insight into dealing with student veterans by indicating how critical perceived support is for successful transition.
Abstract Format
html
Keywords
College Adjustment; Military Studies; College Students; Military Veterans; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Social Support; Military Deployment; Counseling Psychology
Extent
226 pages
Local Identifiers
Ingala_unco_0161D_10071.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
Digital Origin
Born digital
Recommended Citation
Ingala, Ann Marie, "The impact of military deployment on college adjustment" (2011). Dissertations. 170.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations/170
