Spouses Of Veterans Research Articles

The effect of spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This quasi-experimental study, conducted in 2023, focused on the wives of veterans with PTSD. Data collection was carried out using a non-random sampling method. Data for this research were gathered using demographic and self-efficacy questionnaires. The demographic questionnaire collected information on the age of the veteran's spouse, duration of marriage, percentage of military service, education, and occupation. A total of 30 participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the control and spiritual self-care groups after the intervention (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed before the intervention (P=0.36). Additionally, the paired t-test indicated no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention (P=0.89). Still, a significant difference was found in the spiritual self-care group (P<0.01). After adjusting for the pre-test effects, it was demonstrated that the spiritual self-care model significantly impacts the self-efficacy of veterans. It is estimated that approximately 85% of the changes in self-efficacy can be attributed to the spiritual care intervention (Eta=0.85, P<0.001). This research demonstrated that spiritual self-care enhances self-efficacy in veterans' wives. As a psychological variable, self-efficacy is crucial in managing life crises and stresses. Spiritual beliefs serve as an effective strategy for coping with challenges and significantly improve the self-efficacy of veterans' wives.

Rural veteran perception of healthcare access in South Carolina and Florida: a qualitative study

BackgroundAccess to mental and physical healthcare in rural areas is challenging for Veterans and their families but essential for good health. Even though recent research has revealed some of the challenges rural Veterans face accessing healthcare, a complete understanding of the gap in access is still unclear.MethodsThis qualitative study aimed to explore participants’ perceptions of healthcare access. Structured interviews were conducted with 124 Veterans and spouses of Veterans from rural qualifying counties in South Carolina and Florida.ResultsThe study’s results revealed five main dimensions of access: geographic proximity, transportation, communication, cultural competence, and resources. Distance to service needed can negatively impact access for Veterans and their families in general, especially for those whose health is declining or who cannot drive because of their age. Lack of transportation, problems with transportation services, and lack of public transportation can lead to delays in care. Additionally, the lack of communication with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System and with the healthcare team, as well as inefficient communication among the healthcare team, lack of coordination of care between the VA health system and community providers, and the lack of cultural competence of healthcare providers and contracted personnel made access to services even more challenging.ConclusionsImproving communication can help to develop a sense of trust between Veterans and the VA, and between Veterans and spouses with the healthcare team. It can also lead to increased patient satisfaction. Ensuring healthcare providers and contracted personnel are culturally competent to talk and treat Veterans can improve patient trust and adherence to treatment. Lastly, resource-related challenges included financial problems, lack of prompt access to appointments, lack of providers, limited access to local clinics and hospitals, limited local programs available, and reimbursement issues.

The Effect of the Extended Parallel Process Model on Self-efficacy of Spouses of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Spouses of veterans face many psychological problems, so it is necessary to use different methods to manage the care of veterans and their spouses. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extended parallel process model (EPPM) on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: The present study was semi-experimental research carried out by control and intervention groups with a pre-test and post-test design. Thirty veterans' spouses were selected randomly and divided into two groups: The control group (15 people) and the group trained with EPPM (15 people). The intervention type was the training, and the method of implementation of the intervention was holding six sessions. The training was based on EPPM; each session was 30 to 40 minutes. The parenting self-agency measure (PSAM) questionnaire evaluated the self-efficacy variable before and after the intervention. Finally, the results were analyzed using statistical tests in the SPSS software Version 21 environment at the significance level (α = 0.05). Results: The independent samples t-test showed that the self-efficacy level before the intervention was not significantly different among all two study groups (P=0.18). At the same time, this difference was significant after the intervention (P

Challenges of living with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder from the perspective of spouses: a qualitative content analysis study

Background and objectiveThe needs and characteristics of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) create significant challenges in family life, particularly for spouses. Identifying the nature of these challenges from the perspective of spouses leads to a more comprehensive and profound understanding of their existing problems and can be used for targeted interventions. Therefore, this research was conducted to explore the challenges of living with veterans suffering from PTSD from the perspective of their spouses.MethodsThis qualitative study used conventional content analysis to explore Challenges of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Fifteen spouses of veterans with PTSD from the Veterans Affairs Center in Iran between June 2022 and January 2023, were purposively selected to participate in the study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman content analysis method with the support of MAXQDA 2020 software.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 56.74 ± 6.43 years. Through data analysis, seven main categories and sixteen subcategories were identified. These categories included burnout (sleep disturbances, feelings of exhaustion), apathy towards self-care and caring for the veteran (neglecting self-care, lack of interest in continuing care), depression (feelings of hopelessness and being at the end of the line, decreased self-confidence ( Crushed and ignored (being mistreated, having multiple roles), relationship disturbances (Dissatisfaction with marital relationship,isolation and limited social interactions, disconnection from God), financial burden (heavy costs of care, lack of insurance support), and declining social status (negative attitude of the society, suffering from discrimination and inequality).ConclusionThe consequences of PTSD-related injuries in veterans directly and indirectly affect the overall living conditions of their spouses. These spouses experience emotional detachment and constant rejection, leading to a decrease in their resilience against existing stressors and exposing them to disruptive and challenging issues in individual, family, and social dimensions of life that affect their physical and mental well-being. Therefore, these spouses require empowerment and access to social support in dimensions of educational, caregiving, therapeutic, and supportive. It is recommended that health policymakers pay special attention to designing up-to-date interventions to enhance the health of these spouses in physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions.

The Application of Spiritual Self-care Pattern to Increase Resilience in Spouses of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Caring for war veterans causes suffering and stress in their caregivers. Therefore, it is necessary to use non-pharmacological methods to reduce anxiety and increase the resilience of caregivers. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of spiritual self-care patterns (SSCP) on the resilience of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 30 spouses of veterans with PTSD, who were selected randomly and divided into two groups, including the control group (fifteen people) and the experimental group (fifteen people). For the experimental group, training intervention was implemented by SSCP, while no intervention was performed for the control group. The Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RIS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of resilience. Finally, the results obtained before and after the intervention were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and relevant statistical tests at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean resilience score in the control group before and after the intervention was 46.5 ± 5.7 and 47.0 ± 6.2, respectively, which did not have a significant difference (P = 0.70). This value for the experimental group was 3.8 ± 44.5 and 8.8 ± 62.5, respectively, and the difference in the average of these two scores was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results, the intervention of training by spiritual self-care pattern (SSCP) can reduce stress and increase the resilience of spouses of veterans with PTSD.

Effect of the developed parallel process model on the resilience of spouses of post-traumatic stress disorder veterans: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the developed parallel process model on the resilience of spouses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) veterans. This quasi-experimental investigation comprised 30 spouses of veterans diagnosed with PTSD, segregated into two distinct groups during the year 2023: an intervention group, consisting of 15 individuals, and a control group of equal size. To gather data for this study, a demographic questionnaire capturing information on age, veteran percentage, education level, and occupation, alongside the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), was utilized. Preceding the intervention, the intervention group exhibited a mean resilience score of 45.06 (SD=3.82), which increased to 61.13 (SD=4.92) after the intervention, indicating a statistically significant difference as determined by the paired t-test (P<0.01). Conversely, in the control group, the resilience rate was 46.53 (SD=5.71) before the intervention and 47.00 (SD=6.20) after the intervention; however, the paired t-test did not reveal a significant difference (P=0.7). In sum, the implementation of educational methodologies grounded in theoretical frameworks and cognitive models emerges as a pivotal factor in augmenting the adaptation and resilience levels of spouses of veterans grappling with PTSD.

Predicting secondary posttraumatic stress symptoms among spouses of veterans: Veteran's distress or spouse's perception of that distress?

There is a relatively wide consensus that veterans' posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may lead to the development of secondary traumatization (ST) among their spouses. However, there is limited knowledge about the way the ST develops over time, as well as its predictors. The current longitudinal study examined ST trajectories among spouses of Israeli war veterans with PTSS, as well as the contribution of veterans' PTSS and wives' assessment of veterans' PTSS to these trajectories. Data were collected from both spouses at 3 time points, 30, 35-37, and 42 years after the 1973 Yom Kippur War (2003, 2008-2010, and 2015, respectively). Using multiple-group Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA), we identified 4 distinct ST trajectories. The majority of wives (68%) were in the resilient group, 12% were in the recovery group, approximately 10% were in the chronic PTSS group and another 10% were in the delayed-onset group. Multinomial regressions revealed that veterans' PTSS predicted the 4 different trajectories among their wives. In addition, wives in the recovery and chronic groups who perceived their veteran husbands' PTSS to be higher also reported higher ST. This study highlights the complexity of the development of ST trajectories over time. Findings supports the idea of PTSS contagion, and reveals the contributing role of both objective and perceived levels of veterans' PTSS in ST. Therefore, implementing interventions aimed at alleviating both individual and couple-level distress may be warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

The military spouse experience of living alongside their serving/veteran partner with a mental health issue: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Military healthcare studies have reported a wide range of mental health issues amongst military personnel. Globally, mental health issues are one of the main causes of ill health. Military personnel have a greater prevalence of mental health issues than that of the general population. The impact of mental health issues can be wide and far reaching for family and carers. This systematic narrative review explores the military spouse experience of living alongside their serving or veteran partner with a mental health issue. The systematic review performed was based on the PRISMA guide for searching, screening, selecting papers for data extraction and evaluation. Studies were identified from CINHAL, ASSIA, Proquest Psychology, Proquest Nursing & Allied Health source, Proquest Dissertations & Theses, ETHOS, PsychArticles, Hospital collection, Medline, Science Direct Freedom Collection and hand searching of citations and reference lists. Twenty-seven studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Five overarching themes from the experiences of military spouses' living alongside their serving/veteran partners mental health issue were identified: caregiver burden, intimate relationships, psychological/psychosocial effects on the spouse, mental health service provision and spouse's knowledge and management of symptoms. The systematic review and narrative synthesis identified that the majority of studies focused on spouses of veterans, very few were specific to serving military personnel, but similarities were noted. Findings suggest that care burden and a negative impact on the intimate relationship is evident, therefore highlight a need to support and protect the military spouse and their serving partner. Likewise, there is a need for greater knowledge, access and inclusion of the military spouse, in the care and treatment provision of their serving partner's mental health issue.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses: a cross sectional analysis

BackgroundCOVID-19 has negatively impacted the mental health and well-being of both Canadians and the world as a whole, with Veterans, in particular, showing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Spouses and common-law partners often serve as primary caregivers and sources of support for Veterans, which may have a deleterious effect on mental health and increase risk of burnout. Pandemic related stressors may increase burden and further exacerbate distress; yet the effect of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses is currently unknown. This study explores the self-reported mental health and well-being of a group of spouses of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and their adoption of new ways to access healthcare remotely (telehealth), using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal survey.MethodsBetween July 2020 and February 2021, 365 spouses of Veterans completed an online survey regarding their general mental health, lifestyle changes, and experiences relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also completed were questions relating to their use of and satisfaction with health-care treatment services during the pandemic.ResultsReported rates of probable major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and PTSD were higher than the general public, with 50–61% believing their symptoms either directly related to or were made worse by the pandemic. Those reporting being exposed to COVID-19 were found to have significantly higher absolute scores on mental health measures than those reporting no exposure. Over 56% reported using telehealth during the pandemic, with over 70% stating they would continue its use post-pandemic.ConclusionsThis is the first Canadian study to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic specifically on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses. Subjectively, the pandemic negatively affected the mental health of this group, however, the pre-pandemic rate for mental health issues in this population is unknown. These results have important implications pertaining to future avenues of research and clinical/programme development post-pandemic, particularly relating to the potential need for increased support for spouses of Veterans, both as individuals and in their role as supports for Veterans.

The Use of Evaluation Panels During the Development of a Digital Intervention for Veterans Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Qualitative Evaluation Study.

Individuals enrolling in the Veterans Health Administration frequently report symptoms consistent with insomnia disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a gold standard treatment for insomnia disorder. While the Veterans Health Administration has successfully implemented a large dissemination effort to train providers in CBT-I, the limited number of trained CBT-I providers continues to restrict the number of individuals who can receive CBT-I. Digital mental health intervention adaptations of CBT-I have been found to have similar efficacy as traditional CBT-I. To help address the unmet need for insomnia disorder treatment, the VA commissioned the creation of a freely available, internet-delivered digital mental health intervention adaptation of CBT-I known as Path to Better Sleep (PTBS). We aimed to describe the use of evaluation panels composed of veterans and spouses of veterans during the development of PTBS. Specifically, we report on the methods used to conduct the panels, the feedback they provided on elements of the course relevant to user engagement, and how their feedback influenced the design and content of PTBS. A communications firm was contracted to recruit 3 veteran (n=27) and 2 spouse of veteran (n=18) panels and convene them for three 1-hour meetings. Members of the VA team identified key questions for the panels, and the communications firm prepared facilitator guides to elicit feedback on these key questions. The guides provided a script for facilitators to follow while convening the panels. The panels were telephonically conducted, with visual content displayed via remote presentation software. The communications firm prepared reports summarizing the panelists' feedback during each panel meeting. The qualitative feedback described in these reports served as the raw material for this study. The panel members provided markedly consistent feedback on several elements of PTBS, including recommendations to emphasize the efficacy of CBT-I techniques; clarify and simplify written content as much as possible; and ensure that content is consistent with the lived experiences of veterans. Their feedback was congruent with previous studies on the factors influencing user engagement with digital mental health interventions. Panelist feedback influenced multiple course design decisions, including reducing the effort required to use the course's sleep diary function, making written content more concise, and selecting veteran testimonial videos that emphasized the benefits of treating chronic insomnia symptoms. The veteran and spouse evaluation panels provided useful feedback during the design of PTBS. This feedback was used to make concrete revisions and design decisions consistent with existing research on improving user engagement with digital mental health interventions. We believe that many of the key feedback messages provided by these evaluation panels could prove useful to other digital mental health intervention designers.

Examining Veterans' Experiences With In Vitro Fertilization Provided Under P.L. 114-223.

Until recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical benefits package has expressly excluded in vitro fertilization (IVF) services for Veterans experiencing fertility problems. However, P.L. 114-223 (2016) allows VHA to provide Assisted Reproductive Technology, including IVF, to certain eligible Veterans. Little is known regarding Veterans' experiences accessing IVF through VA Community Care contracts with IVF providers. To examine Veterans' experiences with IVF services provided under the auspices of P.L. 114-223. Telephone or video interviews were conducted with male and female Veterans and opposite-sex spouses of Veterans who had been approved for IVF. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Major themes and representative quotes were derived from the analyses. Ninety-six Veterans and 14 spouses participated in our interviews. Six major themes arose from these interviews, including (1) the need for improved communication regarding IVF benefits, (2) the need for expanded IVF benefits, (3) the lack of a comprehensive care coordination program, (4) poor access to IVF providers in some areas of the country, (5) special services needed for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, and (6) the IVF policy may be discriminatory in nature to single and LGBTQ Veterans. Many Veterans with service-connected conditions related to reproductive health have taken advantage of the IVF benefit, though limitations on these benefits have prevented other Veterans from taking advantage of the IVF benefit. Further attention needs to be paid to improving communication and coordination of IVF services with ongoing VA care and ensuring special populations, including those living in rural areas and Veterans with spinal cord injuries, have access to IVF services as needed.

Well-being of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and Spouses of Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Survey.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to everyday life, including social distancing mandates, changes to health care, and a heightened risk of infection. Previous research has shown that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans are at higher risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. Veterans and their families may face unique social challenges that can compound with pandemic-related disruptions to negatively impact well-being.ObjectiveThis study aims to longitudinally characterize the mental health of CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans throughout the pandemic and to understand the dynamic influences of pandemic-related stressors on psychological health over time.MethodsWe employed a prospective longitudinal panel design using an online data collection platform. Study participation was open to all CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans residing in Canada. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive battery of assessments representing psychological well-being, chronic pain, health care access patterns, physical environment, employment, social integration, and adjustment to pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months over an 18-month period. This study was approved by the Western University Health Sciences and Lawson Health Research Institute Research Ethics Boards.ResultsBaseline data were collected between July 2020 and February 2021. There were 3 population segments that participated in the study: 1047 veterans, 366 spouses of veterans, and 125 veterans who are also spouses of veterans completed baseline data collection. As of November 2021, data collection is ongoing, with participants completing the 9- or 12-month follow-up surveys depending on their date of self-enrollment. Data collection across all time points will be complete in September 2022.ConclusionsThis longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to veterans and spouses of veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from occupational, demographic, social, mental, and physical domains, to perceptions and experiences with health care treatments and access. The results of this study will be used to inform policy for veteran and veteran family support, and to best prepare for similar emergencies should they occur in the future.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34984

اثربخشی آموزش گروهی معنادرمانی بر کیفیت زندگی همسران جانبازان دچار اختلال استرس پس از سانحه

اثربخشی آموزش گروهی معنادرمانی بر کیفیت زندگی همسران جانبازان دچار اختلال استرس پس از سانحه

A Dyadic Examination of Drinking Behaviors within Military-Connected Couples

High rates of alcohol use have been documented within military personnel and spouses. However, scant research has investigated alcohol consumption behaviors in matched couples or nonclinical veteran samples. The manner in which couples influence one another’s drinking remains unclear. The current study examined hazardous drinking scores and drinking behaviors in a sample of post-9/11 separated service members (most of whom were veterans) and active duty reservists and their spouse/partners; 260 military-connected couples participated in the Study for Employment Retention of Veterans (SERVe) and were recruited from 35 workplace organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Participants completed baseline and daily surveys on alcohol consumption over the span of 32 days. Among study highlights, Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) revealed actor effects for psychological distress predicting alcohol use variables. Significant partner effects were also revealed for hazardous drinking (AUDIT) scores predicting subsequent alcohol use, over and above actor (i.e., within-person) effects of those relationships. Higher levels of subsequent drinking frequency and quantity were evident among partners of veterans with higher hazardous drinking scores. Spouses with higher hazardous drinking scores were associated with veteran partners who drank more frequently. Results shed light on how military-connected couples, particularly those engaging in hazardous drinking, uniquely influence one another’s alcohol consumption behaviors. Ultimately, findings highlight the importance of including spouses of veterans to elucidate the interplay of drinking behaviors within military-connected couples.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Religious–Spiritual and Hope Interventions on Reducing Stress, Anxiety and Depression of Spouses of Veterans with PTSD

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Religious–Spiritual and Hope Interventions on Reducing Stress, Anxiety and Depression of Spouses of Veterans with PTSD

Military to civilian transition challenges, caregiving activities, and well-being among spouses of newly released Canadian Armed Forces Veterans

Introduction: Transition to civilian life may not only be highly challenging for service members, but also for their spouses, especially following a medical release. Often, the families of ill or injured service members must confront unexpected responsibilities related to caring for the member, while having to adjust to civilian life. This study was conducted to examine military to civilian transition challenges and engagement in caregiving among spouses of newly released Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans and their associations with spousal well-being. Methods: The Canadian Armed Forces Transition and Well-Being Survey (CAFTWS) was administered to spouses of CAF Veterans released in 2016 ( N = 595). The survey assessed spouses’ experiences with a range of military to civilian transition challenges and engagement in caregiving, as well as various indicators of their well-being (e.g., daily stress and psychological distress). Regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of transition challenges and caregiving with well-being. Results: Results revealed that challenges related to finding educational opportunities and health care providers, and loss of military identity, as well as more frequent engagement in caregiving, were significantly associated with elevated levels of daily stress and psychological distress among spouses of Veterans. Discussion: This study is among the first to examine transition experiences, caregiving and well-being in a representative sample of Veterans’ spouses. Findings outline key challenges experienced and underline important predictors of well-being. Recommendations on services that could help facilitate or improve the experiences of families during the transition process are discussed.

The Comparison of Social Support Against the Life Quality of The Spinal Cord Injury Under Stress

Introduction: The stress of war has caused severe problems for the individual and family. Spouses of veterans are gradually involved in family erosion. Lack of social protection and social dysfunction decreased life satisfaction and reduce intimacy between partners. Purpose: this study has been done in the purpose of comparing social support against the veteran’s life who are under stress. Method: This cross-sectional study was done on 79 posttraumatic stress disorder veteran wives and it was also done on 79 ordinary wives through convenience sampling. The instrument to collect the required information was the quality of life questionnaire which contained 36 SF questions and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SS).and the needed information was collected by self-reported method. Results: Veteran wives social support with the mean and the standard deviation was 19.3±5.1 while it was 31.1±3.7 versus the ordinary wives and this difference was significant (Pless than 0.01).It showed the veteran wives quality of life with the mean and standard deviation of 46.3±.088 while it showed 66.9±8.5the mean and standard deviation for the ordinary wives and it showed the significant difference (Pless than 0.01). Conclusions: the obtained result showed that the quality of life related to the health and social support in veteran wives is lower in compare with the ordinary wives with the same situation, therefore educational, treatment and supporting and promoting plans for this group is necessary

Effectiveness of Reality Therapy on Empathy of the Spouses of Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Effectiveness of Reality Therapy on Empathy of the Spouses of Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

LONELINESS FOLLOWING WIDOWHOOD: THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Social support provides important benefits following widowhood. One context promoting social support throughout life may be the military, where benefits extend to both service members and their spouses. A substantial proportion of older men served in the military, so many widowed women today were married to veterans. We tested two hypotheses: 1) surviving military spouses will experience lower persistent loneliness following widowhood compared to their nonmilitary counterparts, and 2) this benefit is explained by increased emotional and structural social support. Our study uses the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine changes in loneliness following widowhood among spouses of veterans and nonveterans. We used OLS regression and mediation tests to address our hypotheses. Overall, results supported our hypotheses. Widows of veterans reported lower levels of loneliness following widowhood compared to nonveteran widows (=-0.122; p<0.05). Emotional and structural social support mediated the relationship between veteran status of the deceased spouse and loneliness. Specifically, the beneficial effect of veteran status was reduced by almost 50% and became nonsignificant. Our findings suggest the military may facilitate lifelong cultivation of social support that flows not only to veterans but also to their families. These findings are suggest that the military may offer important opportunities to cultivate emotional and structural social supports that enhance the ability of veteran wives to more readily adjust to widowhood. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of having social support in later life when faced with adversity, as it seems to ameliorate some of the negative effects.

The Impact of Spiritual Care Skills on Quality of Life in Spouses of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The wives of veterans are under great pressure because of their husbands ’physical and mental problems, and this can affect their mental health and quality of life. It seems that the training of some skills can have a significant impact on improving quality of life and reducing their mental burden. This study was conducted to determine the effect of spiritual care education in quality of life in wives of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that plays a major role in caring for them.Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study in which 60 wives of PTSD-affected veterans in Ibn Sina hospital were selected and assigned randomly in two experimental and control groups. Spiritual care education was conducted in five sessions of two hours. Quality of life Questionnaire (SF-36) was used in this study. The questionnaire was implemented on participants of both groups in three stages: before, after and one months after the intervention (follow-up). Data were analysis using SPSS version 19.Results: The results of this study showed that spiritual care education could increase quality of life in the Wives of Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the subjects participating in the post-test had significantly higher quality of life.Conclusion: According to results of this, study that represent effect of spiritual care education on quality of life, so it is recommended spiritual care education can be used to improve the quality of life of people especially the families of veterans.