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Mental Health of Canadian Veterans of the Reserve Force
The Reserve Force of the Canadian Armed Forces has three classes: Class A = Part-time duty in Canada; Class B = Temporary full-time service in Canada; and Class C = Full-time service members who may deploy domestically and internationally. The different types of services can contribute to varying mental health outcomes.
What is this Research About?
This research examines the mental health of Canadian Reserve Force Veterans by exploring possible associations with their demographic and service characteristics (e.g., occupation, length of service and rank at release)
What did the Researchers Do?
The 2013 Life After Service Studies survey collected data on two groups of Reserve Force Veterans: Class C and Class A/B. Using this data, the researchers examined 24 service and demographic variables on the Mental Health Component Summary Score (MCS) for each group. The MCS is a reliable scientific tool used to measure overall mental health functioning.
What did the Researchers Find?
Reserve Class A/B
- 81% male; 19% female
- 57% were married
- 53% were less than 30 years old.
- Mean MCS was 52.57
Reserve Class C
- 76% male; 14% female
- 73% were married
- 40% were 30-39 years old
- Mean MCS was 51.10
Overall
- The mean MCS score was higher for males (52.9) than for females (49.45)
- Lower MCS scores can point to the need for more support. Factors associated with a decreased mental component score for both groups include:
- Reporting a mood or anxiety disorder
- Having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Being medically released instead of voluntarily released
- Experiencing chronic pain
- Being less than 60 years old
- Marital status was also a factor associated with the scores for Class C Veterans – those who were single had lower scores than those who were married/common law. Marital status was not a significant factor in the scores for Class A/B service.
Source
Reyes J, Sweet J, MacLean M, Poirier A, VanTil L. Mental health of Canadian Veterans of the Reserve Force. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health. 2021