Project SERVE: Post Deployment Functioning

The proposed longitudinal study aims to better understand the functioning of returning
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) OEF/OIF Veterans over time
and to identify potentially malleable resilience factors associated with higher levels of
functioning. A total of 300 returning OEF/OIF Veterans will be followed for a one-year
period. Veterans will complete a baseline assessment, followed by three follow-up assessments
(two self-report assessments mailed at 4- and 8-months post-baseline and a one-year in-person
follow-up assessment that repeats many of the baseline clinician-administered assessments).
Multiple functional outcomes will be evaluated, including occupational, family, social, and
physical functioning. The specific aims include: 1) identifying whether a "dose-response"
relationship exists between level of exposure to stressors (pre-deployment,
deployment-related, and post-deployment) and functioning over time; 2) examining whether
potentially malleable resilience factors predict higher levels of functioning in returning
Veterans over time; 3) examining whether psychopathology predicts lower levels of functioning
in returning Veterans over time; 4) testing the theoretical model that psychopathology
partially mediates the effects of stress, social support, coping, and neurocognition on
functioning over time; 5) examining whether changes in the use of healthy coping strategies,
social support, post-deployment stress, and psychopathology predict changes in functioning
over time; and 6) exploring whether stress, social support, coping, neurocognition, and
psychopathology have differential effects on specific aspects of functioning (e.g.,
occupational, family, social, and physical functioning) over time. The long-term aim of this
research is to develop evidence-based early intervention and treatment programs designed to
assist returning OEF/OIF Veterans with achieving optimal functioning when reintegrating into
civilian life. In keeping with the VHA's goal of operationalizing principles of recovery and
rehabilitation in treatment planning, this research should provide a platform of empirical
data to assist with the further development of meaningful early intervention and treatment
programs to assist OEF/OIF Veterans with the post-war readjustment process over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible, participants must be:

- enrolled returning OEF/OIF Veteran within CTVHCS;

- English-speaking Veterans;

- able to comprehend and sign the informed consent form;

- able to complete the structured interviews and self-report assessments;

- willing to be contacted for follow-up assessments;

- deemed stable on psychotropic medications and in psychotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

Veterans will be excluded if they:

- plan to relocate out of the Central Texas area within four months of protocol
initiation;

- meet criteria for a diagnoses of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar
disorder;

- report current hallucinations or delusions that are clearly not trauma-related; or

- report current suicidal or homicidal risk warranting crisis intervention.