The relationships between social and community participation, meaningful activity participation, and social support for student service members/Veterans
Date
2016
Authors
Reinhardt, Rebecca, author
Eakman, Aaron, advisor
Greene, David, committee member
Dik, Bryan, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Student service members/Veterans (SSM/V) represent a growing group of students on college campuses. Despite their increased presence on campuses, there is currently little research concerning the development and maintenance of social support, a crucial factor of college integration, for this population. Limited research suggests that SSM/V struggle to integrate into higher education, develop social relationships with peers, and succeed academically. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between social and community participation, meaningful activity participation, and social support. The present study also sought to present psychometric evidence for a new assessment of social and community participation, The Veterans' Social and Community Participation Assessment (VSCPA). Results indicate that increased frequency of social and community participation, meaningful activity participation, and social support are positively correlated. Results also demonstrate the negative impact of service-related trauma on social and community participation, meaningful activity participation, and social support. Results highlight the criticality of social and community participation to meaningful activity participation and the development of social support. Implications for professionals working with SSM/V transitioning into higher education are addressed.