Reciprocal Relationships Between Stressors and Mental Health Problems in Military Veterans

Growing research recognizes the reciprocal relationship between stressful life events and psychiatric health, yet this topic has seldom been examined in military populations. This study examined the reciprocal relationships between psychological symptoms and stressful life events over time among veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Service members (N = 1,599) completed surveys when separating from service and approximately one year later. Surveys assessed demographic characteristics, impulsivity, combat exposure, noncombatrelated stressful life events, and symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance abuse. Structural equation modeling showed that both depression and PTSD symptoms predicted future stressful life events; this relationship was fully mediated by substance abuse for depression, but not for PTSD symptoms. Consistent with some previous research, noncombat stressors showed stronger and more pervasive effects on mental health symptoms than did combat exposure. Impulsivity eme...