Military-to-Civilian Transition Strains and Risky Behavior Among Post-9/11 Veterans
Published online 2022 Apr 20. Fred E. Markowitz, a Sara Kintzle, b and Carl A. Castro b
ABSTRACT
Many military veterans face significant challenges in civilian reintegration that can lead to troublesome behavior. Drawing on military transition theory (MTT) and using data from a survey of post-9/11 veterans in two metropolitan areas (n = 783), we investigate previously unexamined relationships between post-discharge strains, resentment, depression, and risky behavior, taking into account a set of control variables, including combat exposure. Results indicated that unmet needs at time of discharge and perceived loss of military identity are associated with increased risky behavior. Much of the effects of unmet discharge needs and loss of military identity are mediated by depression and resentment toward civilians. The results of the study are consistent with insights from MTT, providing evidence of specific ways in which transitions can affect behavioral outcomes. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of helping veterans meet their post-discharge needs and adapt to changing identity, in order to reduce the risk of emotional and behavioral problems.
KEYWORDS: Strain, mental health, veteran reintegration, risk-taking, depression
What is the public significance of this article?—Our study suggests the need for targeted and coordinated services that not only help veterans meet needs such as housing, employment, and medical care upon discharge, but also help prepare them for the challenges associated with a significant change in identity as part of civilian life.
There are over 4 million post-9/11 veterans in the United States (U.S. Department of Defense, 2018; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2016). While most successfully reintegrate into civilian life after their service, a substantial portion experience adjustment difficulties, including mental health and substance abuse problems, and involvement with the criminal justice system (Castro & Kintzle, 2018; Hoge et al., 2004; Keeling et al., 2018; McGuire, 2007; Tanielian et al., 2008). About half of recently discharged veterans indicate their adjustment to civilian life was “very” or “somewhat difficult” (Parker et al., 2019). Significant portions of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression (Hoge et al., 2004; Ramchand et al., 2015). Mental health problems in particular, put veterans at increased risk for unlawful behavior (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). Although not disproportional, about 8% of all persons in jail or prison are veterans (Bronson et al., 2015).
Much of the contemporary study of problematic behavior among military veterans focuses on how trauma exposure leads to mental health problems, such as PTSD, increasing the likelihood of violence toward intimates (e.g., Jones, 2012; Marshall et al., 2005; Sullivan & Elbogen, 2014; Taft et al., 2005). Comparatively, less attention has been paid to a range of other issues that veterans confront after their military service (Castro & Kintzle, 2018). Veterans face unique challenges, such as the ease of transition into civilian roles, especially in terms of finding jobs, housing, and meeting health-care needs. In addition, existing qualitative research suggests the loss of identity cultivated through intensive socialization processes and a highly structured lifestyle can be a source of dislocation and distress for many veterans (Smith & True, 2014; Yanos, 2004). However, there has been limited quantitative research examining how identity loss affects behavioral outcomes. Moreover, public ambivalence about the value of military efforts in the post-9/11 era has led many veterans to believe their sacrifices are underappreciated and not well understood, with adverse consequences for well-being (Markowitz et al., 2020).
At the same time, beyond intimate violence, comparatively less attention has been paid to other forms of harmful behavior among veterans, including nonviolent offenses and risk-taking (Killgore et al., 2008). There are compelling reasons for examining outcomes other than intimate partner violence among military veterans. Evidence suggests there is substantial overlap between criminal violence (e.g., spousal assault), nonviolent criminal behavior (e.g., driving under the influence), and other non-criminal, but potentially harmful behaviors (e.g., gambling, substance abuse; Deane et al., 2005). Moreover, minor antisocial behavior is much more common than serious violence, can damage health, and can be criminogenic – for example, drinking increases the risk of violence (Deane et al., 2005; Felson, 2009). In addition, a growing number of veterans are involved in civil legal proceedings, such as divorce, child-custody disputes, and debt collections (Seamone & Albright, 2015). Given the above considerations, we draw on military transition theory to examine how unmet discharge needs and military-identity loss are related to depression and resentment, which in turn, increase risky behavior among post-9/11 veterans.
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