Developing a Causal Model of Life Satisfaction of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder based on Loneliness: The Mediating Role of Self-esteem

Background and Aim: Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans is associated with low levels of life satisfaction. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a causal model of life satisfaction of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder based on loneliness with a mediating role of self-esteem. Methods: In this descriptive and correlational study, 200 veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder were selected by purposive sampling. Diener et al.'s Life Satisfaction Scale (1985), Russell et al.'s Loneliness Scale (1980) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1979) were used to collect data. Data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) by SPSS software and Lisrel 8.8. Results: Based on the results, the causal model of the relationship between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder was confirmed based on various fitting indicators. Loneliness and self-esteem have a direct effect on the life satisfaction of veterans with stress disorder; Also, loneliness through self-esteem has an indirect effect on life satisfaction of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (P <0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, loneliness and self-esteem play an important role in the life satisfaction of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and targeting these two components through psychological therapies can be effective in improving the life satisfaction of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.