Differential association between unemployment status and mental health among veterans and civilians

Abstract: This study aims to examine the negative effect of unemployment on mental health among 2,762 veterans and 45,095 civilians aged 18 to 50 years. Findings revealed that long-term unemployed veterans had a significantly greater number of days with poor mental health than long-term unemployed civilians. The study highlights the need for future research concerning the negative effects of long-term unemployment on veterans’ mental health. In addition to this, the study raises the need for further exploration into the topics of identity, self-perception, and the notion often present in the military/veteran culture that there is “dignity in labor.”