Psychological Adjustment of Aging Vietnam Veterans: The Role of Social Network Ties in Reengaging with Wartime Memories

Abstract

It is projected that by 2020 there will be 8.7 million veterans over the age of 65 years, more than half (64%) of whom served during the Vietnam War. The effects of military service on mental health and well-being may be more pronounced later in life among those who served in Vietnam than prior cohorts of veterans. Many veterans confront and rework their wartime memories later in life in an attempt to find meaning and coherence, engaging in a process referred to as <i>Later-Adulthood Trauma Reengagement</i> (LATR). LATR often occurs in the context of other stressors that are a normative part of aging, such as role transitions (e.g., retirement), declines in physical health, and the death of close others (e.g., spouses), perhaps because these events trigger reminiscence. Importantly, LATR may result in either positive (e.g., acceptance) or negative (e.g., distress) psychological outcomes. It has been suggested that the presence of social/environmental resources, including socioemotional support, may aid veterans in successfully navigating LATR. We, therefore, review relevant areas of research to delineate the role that various layers of social context may play in ­helping – or hindering – aging Vietnam veterans as they navigate LATR in the context of normative late-life stressors. We conclude by offering fruitful directions for future research and applied implications for intervention efforts.

The global prevalence of depression, suicide ideation, and attempts in the military forces: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of cross sectional studies

“…Based on the available findings, mental disorders are one of the most important and significant causes of diseases and it was predicted that in 2020 the share of mental and neurological disorders in the total burden of diseases would increase by 50% [ 3 – 5 ]. Therefore, attention to mental health is important in all areas of the individual, social and professional life [ 6 , 7 ]. One of the important stressful environmental stimuli that can cause chronic stress and significantly affect people’s psyche is the type of the job in which a person is engaged so that if the stress caused by the work environment becomes excessive, it can cause physical and psychological effects on the individual and his/her family.…”

The Global Prevalence of Depression, Suicide Ideation, and Attempts in the Military Forces: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross Sectional Studies

“…Based on the available ndings, mental disorders are one of the most important and signi cant causes of diseases and it was predicted that in 2020 the share of mental and neurological disorders in the total burden of diseases would increase by 50% (3)(4)(5). Therefore, attention to mental health is important in all areas of the individual, social and professional life (6,7). One of the important stressful environmental stimuli that can cause chronic stress and signi cantly affect people's psyche is the type of the job in which a person is engaged so that if the stress caused by the work environment becomes excessive, it can cause physical and psychological effects on the individual and his/her family.…”

Advancing Research and Theory on Aging Military Veterans in a Relational Context

“…Vietnam veterans faced unique experiences that can affect mental health and social ties (Marini, Fiori, Wilmoth, Pless Kaiser, & Martire, 2020), including increased exposure to antiwar sentiment and diminished feelings of societal support compared to prior wars, relatively abrupt transitions to civilian life, and potential exposure to chemical warfare (e.g., Agent Orange; Wilmoth & London, 2011). Vietnam veterans also face an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems later in life, not only because they were likely to have been exposed to combat while serving but also because after military service they were likely to have entered occupations with an increased risk of traumatic exposures, such as becoming a police officer (Little, Llorente, & Llorente, 2019).…”

“…Veterans who served during the Vietnam War, for example, may feel particularly isolated because of the sociohistorical context that surrounded that conflict. Vietnam veterans may (a) have experienced hostile receptions upon homecoming, (b) have internalized skepticism about U.S. involvement in Vietnam and antiwar sentiments, and (c) have reaped fewer socioeconomic rewards for military service than prior cohorts (i.e., World War II, Korean War) who received warm receptions as “war heroes” and relatively generous GI Bill benefits (see Marini et al, 2020; see also Isaacs, 2000). This distinction is considerable given that veterans often emphasize the benefit of having positive societal receptions (e.g., Burnell, Coleman, & Hunt, 2006).…”

“…Although the popular‐culture view that Vietnam veterans were alienated, scorned, rejected, or blamed for the war might be overblown relative to historical context (Dean, 1992; Wessely & Jones, 2004), these views and sociopolitical debates tinged with antiwar sentiment could leave veterans feeling disenfranchised (Wilmoth & London, 2011). Consequently, Vietnam veterans may feel that their service was not fully appreciated and may feel a diminished sense of social belonging, although the majority demonstrate strong psychological resilience (see Marini et al, 2020). This also reinforces the fact that the social environment, especially as it relates to felt exclusion, is a critical consideration for veterans (see Olson, 2020).…”