research

New study points to better understanding combat veterans’ mixed feelings, thoughts

by Claudia Bustamante

You’re happy to be alive, yet feel guilty that others weren’t as lucky.
You’re physically exhausted but unable to sleep.
You want to enjoy life, but have forgotten how to relax.
You want to be understood, but don’t want to talk.

These are a handful of the paradoxes recently identified by USC School of Social Work researchers that combat veterans may experience and that could hamper a successful reintegration to civilian life if not properly addressed.

In and of themselves, most of these paradoxes are normal and do not indicate mental health disorders. But in order to prevent future complications, veterans could benefit […]

By |February 22nd, 2016|Research|0 Comments

Visiting scholar brings international focus to military transition issues

by Claudia Bustamante

Struggling to translate military skillsets for the civilian workplace and developing an identity outside the military are not transitional challenges unique to American veterans.

In an exchange of ideas that could promote the well-being of all veterans—regardless of nationality—David Pedlar, research director at Veterans Affairs Canada, joined the USC School of Social Work as a Fulbright visiting research chair in military social work.

Pedlar’s semester-long appointment with the school’s Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families will focus on conducting research and gathering best practices on improving transition from military service to civilian life for veterans. He […]

By |February 4th, 2016|Faculty, News|0 Comments