Validity and Reliability of the Empowered Veteran Index Among Military Veterans

Abstract

We sought to develop a tool designed to measure psychosocial reintegration outcomes among military veterans. We used a sequential mixed-methods study design for this research project. We conducted semi-structured interviews about veteran reintegration with 30 veteran members of The Mission Continues (TMC). Transcripts were coded/thematized based on three TMC program areas: personal growth (PG), connectedness (C), and community impact (CI). We developed/pilot-tested 65 Likert-scale items across three constructs. We collected survey data ( n = 851) and performed exploratory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure internal consistency reliability. Results showed that the three-factor model was satisfactory, with eigenvalues of 8.11, 5.50, and 4.92, respectively, on the PG, C, and CI constructs. Model fit indices were also acceptable (RMSEA = 0.06) and Cronbach’s α’s were >.90. This study provided initial validity and reliability evidence for a tool that can be used to assess psychosocial reintegration outcomes among veterans.