Social security during COVID-19: The experiences of military veterans
Abstract: Research published prior to COVID-19 has illustrated some of the difficulties that veterans can experience within the benefits system (Scullion et al, 2018; 2019; Scullion and Curchin, 2021). For example, those with Service-attributed mental health conditions can face challenges interacting with various aspects of the system from Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) through to Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) (Scullion and Curchin, 2021). Accounts within pre-COVID-19 research also highlight the significant role of informal peer networks and third sector organisations in supporting veterans in relation to both benefits processes but also wider issues relating to health and wellbeing, particularly where there is an absence of close family connections and relationships (Scullion et al, 2018; 2019). Drawing on emerging findings from interviews with veterans undertaken during COVID-19, this chapter revisits some of these pre-COVID-19 issues around mental health, benefits processes, and support networks to explore the impact of the pandemic.
Abstract: Background: Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during military service can lead to moral injury (MI) outcomes and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This longitudinal study examined the relationships between PMIE exposure, MI outcomes, and PTSS among Israeli combat veterans, and the potential protective role of dispositional forgiveness in these associations. Method: Participants were 169 Israeli combat veterans who participated in a six-year longitudinal study with four measurement points (T1: 12 months before enlistment, T2: Six months following enlistment- pre-deployment, T3: 18 months following enlistment- post-deployment, and T4: 28 months following discharge). Participants’ characteristics were assessed via semi-structured interviews (T1) and validated self-report measures (T2-T4) between 2019-2024. Results: Approximately 36% of participants reported exposure to PMIEs during service, with 13% exceeding the clinical threshold for probable PTSD at T4. PMIE-Betrayal at T3 was positively associated with MI outcomes of shame and trust violation at T4. The indirect effect of PMIEs on PTSS through MI outcome-Shame depended on forgiveness levels. Among veterans with low forgiveness, higher exposure to PMIE-Betrayal was associated with increased MI shame, which was linked to more severe PTSS. Conversely, for those with high forgiveness, exposure to PMIE-Self and Other was associated with decreased MI shame and subsequently reduced PTSS. Conclusion: Dispositional forgiveness moderates the relationship between PMIE exposure and MI outcomes, particularly shame, which mediates the development of PTSS. These findings highlight forgiveness as a potential target for intervention in treating moral injury and preventing PTSS among combat veterans.