Despite evidence that mental health burden is associated with lower academic success and non-completion in college students, and the high incidence of combat-related trauma exposure in returning veterans, few studies exist regarding the intersection of these issues in student veterans. This paper presents findings from a study on the mental health burden of student veterans attending rural community colleges in the southern United States. Based on qualitative research, the findings illustrate how the psychological sequela of combat-related trauma exposure impact classroom integration and academic achievement. The findings highlight the need for supportive services to integrate student veterans into campus communities and link them to mental healthcare resources, potentially improving academic success.
Medley, J., Cheney, A. M., Abraham, T., Grubbs, K., Hunt, J., Lu, L., Fortney, J. C., & Curran, G. M. (2017). The Impact of the Psychological Sequela of Trauma on Veterans Seeking Higher Education. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 30(1), 83–96.