The Role of Social Support in Veterans’ College Adjustment

The number of military service members and veterans entering college is increasing with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Many returning service members arrive on college campuses battling physical or psychological disabilities. Little is known about current levels of support for student veterans on college campuses. Survey results from 128student veterans/military at twoand four-year institutions were analyzed through multiple regressions. Results indicated that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, unit support, and post deployment support contributed uniquely to the explanation of college adjustment. The current study supports previous research demonstrating the importance of perceived social support in dealing with life transitions and trauma. The results of the current study give institutions of higher education, psychologists and counselors insight into dealing with student veterans by indicating how critical perceived support is for successful transition.