Mental Health and Academic Functioning of Student Servicemembers and Veterans in Higher Education: The Importance of Social Support

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Author(s): Barry, A. E., Whiteman, S. D., & MacDermid Wadsworth, S.

Editor(s): DiRamio, D.

Citation: Barry, A. E., Whiteman, S. D., & MacDermid Wadsworth, S. (2017). Mental Health and Academic Functioning of Student Servicemembers and Veterans in Higher Education: The Importance of Social Support. In DiRamio, D., What's Next for Student Veterans? Moving From Transition to Academic Success (pp. 59-75). Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition.

 

Abstract

Military-affiliated college students represent a distinct group on college campuses due to their notably different life experiences. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important for higher education institutions to provide unique services to their student veterans or, at minimum, increase awareness of the needs of this sub-group. This chapter uses quantitative data to establish areas where veteran students require the most support, which largely proves to be social support. Topics covered include relating to civilian students, the lack of peer support from other students, and how higher education institutions can provide social support for student veterans. The authors explore the protective effects of receiving social support and outline the implications for further research and eventual policy changes.

 

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