The Association Between Reintegration, Perceptions of Health and Flourishing During Transition from Military to Civilian Life Among Veterans with Invisible Injuries

Veterans with mental health or cognitive conditions who are separating from military service often face challenges transitioning to civilian life. However, questions remain about the relationship between reintegration and key psychosocial and well-being outcomes for veteran populations with invisible injuries soon after military separation. We investigated cross-sectional relationships between reintegration difficulties and health and well-being outcomes based on data from standardized measures with 75 US veterans. Reintegration difficulties were associated with low mental health functioning, lower social support, and lower flourishing. Reporting fewer perceived limitations with reintegration was positively associated with physical functioning, and higher levels of participation were positively associated with social support. Findings from this study suggest that among post-9/11 military veterans with mental health or cognitive conditions, fewer difficulties with reintegration are associated with greater social support, higher mental health-related quality of life, and lower levels of post-traumatic stress and somatic symptoms.