The Impact of Civic Service on Disability Identity Outcomes in United States Veterans Who Served in Iraq and Afghanistan

Abstract

Abstract For many veterans, reintegrating into civilian life is complicated by an acquired or exacerbated physical disability. Veteran-directed services that are inclusive of and impactful for disabled veterans are limited. Pre-and post-data on 6 psychosocial outcomes resulting from a 26-week stipend-supported civic service and leadership program for post-9/11 era Veterans (N = 346) were analyzed. Veterans with physical disabilities (n = 181) reported significant increases in all measured outcomes. Women had significantly greater increases in purpose in life (b = 3.60, p < 0.05) and decreases in depressive symptoms (b = –.53, p < 0.04) than men. Civic service has a positive impact on post-9/11 veterans with physical disabilities reintegrating into civilian life.