The Impact of Civic Service on Disability Identity Outcomes in United States Veterans Who Served in Iraq and Afghanistan

Abstract: For many veterans, reintegrating into civilian life is complicated by an acquired or exacerbated physical disability. Veteran-directed services that are inclusive of and impactful for disabled veterans are limited. Pre-and post-data on 6 psychosocial outcomes resulting from a 26-week stipend-supported civic service and leadership program for post-9/11 era Veterans (N = 346) were analyzed. Veterans with physical disabilities (n = 181) reported significant increases in all measured outcomes. Women had significantly greater increases in purpose in life (b = 3.60, p < 0.05) and decreases in depressive symptoms (b = –.53, p < 0.04) than men. Civic service has a positive impact on post-9/11 veterans with physical disabilities reintegrating into civilian life.