Author ORCID Identifier

Lisa M. McAndrew: 0000-0002-1350-8773

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1037/mil0000139

Abstract

Objective: The presence of multiple comorbid conditions is common after combat deployment and complicates treatment. A potential treatment approach is to target shared mechanisms across conditions that maintain poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One such mechanism may be decrements in pleasurable activities. Impairment in pleasurable activities frequently occurs after deployment and may be associated with poorer HRQOL.

Method: In this brief report, we surveyed 126 Veterans who had previously sought an assessment at a Veterans Affairs post-deployment health clinic and assessed pleasurable activities, HRQOL, and post-deployment health symptoms.

Results: Forty-three percent of Veterans met our criteria for all three post-deployment conditions (PTSD, depression and chronic wide-spread physical symptoms). Greater engagement in pleasurable activities was associated with better HRQOL for all Veterans regardless of type or level of post-deployment health symptoms.

Conclusion: Future research should study if interventions that encourage Veterans with post-deployment health conditions to engage in pleasurable activities are effective rehabilitation strategies.

Comments

Publisher Acknowledgement:

This is the Author’s Original Manuscript of an article accepted for publication by the American Psychology Association in Military Psychology. The version of the record appears here: Lisa M. McAndrew, Rachel F. Held, Bhavna Abbi, Karen S. Quigley, Drew A. Helmer, Radhika V. Pasupuleti & Helena K. Chandler (2016) Less Engagement in Pleasurable Activities Is Associated With Poorer Quality of Life for Veterans With Comorbid Postdeployment Conditions, Military Psychology, 29:1, 74-81, DOI: 10.1037/mil0000139

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