Does the physical and mental health of veterans differ by military branch?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health behaviors and their levels of positive and negative affect and determine the overall level of physical health and mental health among members of the armed forces. Overall, the results showed that veterans in the Army, Navy and Marines are more often than members who are in the Air Force to be deployed. Members in the Army, Navy and Marines also experience higher levels of reported cases of PTSD, higher levels of negative affect (i.e. anxiety), a lower health composite score and report poorer perception of their own health. This study also showed that veterans of the Air Force had a stronger emphasis on their physical health which resulted in higher levels of positive affect (excited about life). Limitations and future directions of this research are discussed.