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A notable proportion of criminal legal system (CLS)-involved combat veterans have a history of homelessness. However, knowledge regarding the relationship between homelessness and CLS involvement among combat veterans is largely based on descriptive studies, and potential mechanisms linking homelessness to CLS involvement are largely unknown. Using data from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study ( n = 1,353), this study examined the association between homelessness and contact with CLS among U.S. combat veterans and evaluated the mediating roles of shared risk factors. Findings revealed that a large proportion (53.6%) of the association between homelessness and CLS involvement was accounted for by indirect associations, most notably via drug use disorder (22.1%), moral injury (11.4%), and alcohol use disorder (10.7%). These findings highlight modifiable mechanisms that may link homelessness to CLS involvement, which may help inform targeted prevention efforts to mitigate the risk for CLS involvement among combat veterans.

Technology-based interventions have been suggested to prevent depression and loneliness. However, it is not yet well-established if internet use is a protective factor for older adults, allowing them to combat depression and loneliness. Addressing this neglected area of research, this paper examines whether frequent internet use moderated the relationship between depression and age. Using 2016 General Social Survey ( n = 869), a series of ordinary least squares regression models were employed. The findings revealed that older adults who frequently used the internet were more depressed than those who did not. This may imply that internet use by older individuals may not be an adequate source of social engagement and may even heighten existing levels of depression. Other interventions may need to be developed to compensate for the loss of physical contact and reduce the level of depression.