Problematic anger in military and veteran populations with and without PTSD: The elephant in the room
Abstract: In this editorial, the authors discuss that given the prevalence and serious risks associated with problematic anger, including harm to self and others, it is critical that general health and mental health practitioners be prepared to support active duty personnel and veterans with relevant assessment and treatment. In addition, policy makers and service managers and leaders within government and military and veteran services should consider the assessment, prevention, early intervention, and treatment of problematic anger. Indeed, clinicians can effect change by routinely incorporating assessment, early intervention, and treatment for problematic anger into their repertoire of health-promotion activities and researchers can continue to evaluate and inform these clinical efforts through much needed empirical scrutiny.
Abstract:United States military veterans face challenges when reintegrating into civilian society. Among these difficulties often exist barriers for veterans in navigating work and career experiences. This study tested factors that may contribute to experiences of decent work and reintegration in a sample of 90 United States veterans. Utilizing the Psychology of Working Theory as a framework, veterans' social support was hypothesized to be a moderating factor in the relationship between veterans' experiences of marginalization and decent work. Additionally, decent work was examined as a potential mediator in the association between veterans' career adaptability and reintegration. Separate moderation and mediation models were tested to examine the study's hypotheses. Results did not find social support to moderate the relationship between marginalization and decent work. However, decent work significantly and partially mediated the relationship between career adaptability and reintegration. Interpretation of these findings in the context of the literature is discussed, as well as implications for practice and theory, limitations, and future directions.