Life meaning and mental health in post-9/11 veterans: the mediating role of perceived stress

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Post-9/11 veterans frequently experience diminished mental health following military service. Life meaning is related to better mental health in veterans, yet its mechanism of action is unknown. A meaning-making model suggests that life meaning can reduce perceived stress, thus enhancing mental health. The present study tested this meaning-making model by predicting multiple dimensions of mental health (i.e., symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and depression, and mental health quality of life) from life meaning as mediated by perceived stress. DESIGN AND Methods: The present study was a secondary analysis of a 12-month observational study of 367 post-9/11 veterans. Participants completed demographic and health surveys at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. A multivariate mediation model was created predicting changes in dimensions of mental health from 6 months to 12 months. Results: Higher life meaning at baseline predicted changes in all dimensions of mental health between 6 and 12 months, an effect mediated by changes in perceived stress between baseline and 6 months. Conclusions: Across dimensions of mental health, the meaning-making model was supported. Understanding post-9/11 veteran mental health from this theoretical perspective may help better tailor healthcare efforts and enhance veteran health overall.

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