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Civic engagement among student veterans |
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| Authors: | David L Albright Justin T McDaniel Kelli Godfrey Kate H Thomas Kari L Fletcher Gina Rosen |
| Institution: | 1. Hill Crest Endowed Chair in Mental Health, School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA;2. dlalbright@ua.edu;4. Department of Public Health &5. Recreation Professions, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA;6. School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA;7. College of Health Sciences, Charleston Southern University, North Charleston, SC, USA;8. St. Catherine University – University of St. Thomas School of Social Work, St. Paul, MN, USA;9. Research and Evaluation The Mission Continues, Chicago, IL, USA |
| Abstract: | AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to assess participation rates in civic volunteering among service member and veteran students. Participants: Data for the present cross-sectional study were obtained from the American College Health Association’s (ACHA) 2011–2014 National College Health Assessment II (NCHA). Methods: Demographic characteristics of the study sample were explored by calculating frequencies and percentages by military service status. Research questions were explored with either Fisher’s exact test or maximum likelihood multiple logistic regression. Results: Service member and veteran students were more likely to engage in volunteerism than their non-veteran counterparts. Additionally, student veterans and non-veteran students reported that engagement in volunteer efforts both reduces their feelings of depression and increases their use of mental health services. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that the promotion of civic engagement and participation in volunteerism for service member and veteran students on college campuses might contribute to successful reintegration outcomes. |
| Keywords: | Civic engagement mental health student veterans veteran service organizations volunteering |