Behavioral Health and Adjustment to College Life for Student Service Members/Veterans

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Increasing numbers of student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) are enrolling in college. However, little is known about how their previous military experience affects their adjustment to this new role. The present study tested the hypothesis that SSM/Vs who report adjustment problems in college have a higher incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other behavioral health problems compared with those who do not report adjustment problems. PARTICIPANTS: SSM/Vs (N = 173) at a large, southeastern, public university completed online surveys that included well-validated screens measuring substance use, depression, PTSD, and other mental disorders. RESULTS: Those reporting difficulties adjusting to university life (28%) reported significantly higher frequencies of behavioral and health problems while in the military, and significantly higher levels of PTSD, depression, and mental health disorders, but no difference in substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for improved behavioral health screening and coordination of university behavioral health services with veterans' health systems are discussed.