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Serier KN, Zhao Z, Vogt D, Kehle-Forbes S, Smith BN, Mitchell KS. The impact of stress and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in U.S. veterans. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3357. [PMID: 38126682 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life around the globe and negatively impacted mental health (MH), including among military veterans. Building on previous research with U.S. veterans, the present study examined the association between a broad array of pandemic stressors and well-being on MH outcomes. A total of 372 veterans (51.3% women) from all service eras completed measures of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression during early (timepoint 1 [T1]) and peri-pandemic (timepoint 2 [T2]) periods. Pandemic-related stressors and well-being (satisfaction in life domains) were assessed at the peri-pandemic timepoint (T2). Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between stressors and well-being with the likelihood of a probable MH diagnosis at T2 controlling for T1 MH status. More negative physical and MH impacts of the pandemic in addition to fewer positive consequences and lower satisfaction with paid work, finances, health, romantic relationships, and social life were associated with a higher likelihood of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. COVID infection was associated with lower odds of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. There were significant indirect effects, such that physical and MH impacts of the pandemic were associated with T2 MH via well-being. Overall, these findings highlight the role of stress and well-being on MH during a global pandemic. Interventions to address well-being may be important to address veteran MH during other periods of stress. Future research should examine the generalizability of study findings and further investigate factors that contribute to veterans' MH resilience during stressful life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Serier
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhao
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawne Vogt
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shannon Kehle-Forbes
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian N Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen S Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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