Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Psychology
First Advisor
Stefan E. Schulenberg
Second Advisor
John Young
Third Advisor
Laura J. Dixon
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
As part of a growing program of research, the present study builds upon previous findings that revealed meaning in life as a significant protective factor for Veteran psychological adaptation to civilian life (BPAS-MV). This next phase involves examining the utility of a novel EMA/EMI daily valued living intervention in fostering meaning through valued living (VLQ) in order to mitigate psychological distress and promote positive Veteran acculturation outcomes. Though the study is ongoing, small-scale pilot data from the pre-intervention baseline survey examining relationships among the variables targeted in the intervention are reported at this time and methodological challenges in the current project are reviewed. Preliminary regression results demonstrated an unexpected, negative relationship between VLQ and BPAS-MV. Subsequent analyses revealed that this relationship appears to further impact the relationships among established psychological risk and protective factors (e.g., VLQ was only negatively associated with psychological distress when BPAS-MV was controlled for, while purpose in life was only associated with better BPAS-MV when controlling for VLQ). Veteran respondents rated the proposed daily valued living intervention to be acceptable, with specific domains of reported acceptability/feasibility explored in greater detail. The current findings challenge simple models where valued living linearly predicts well-being and support a more complex, bidirectional model in transitional populations like Veterans, underscoring the importance of contextually-grounded intervention approaches. Specifically, interventions that seek to enhance valued living should be sensitive to the unique challenges Veterans may face during the transition to civilian life, including identity disruption, cultural misalignment, and competing demands on values.
Recommended Citation
McCutcheon, Victoria Elizabeth, "Toward a Comprehensive Understanding of the Interrelationships Between Valued Living, Veteran Acculturation, and Mental Health: First Steps Paving the Way for a Novel Valued Living Intervention for Veterans, with Challenges Encountered, Solutions Sought, and Lessons Learned" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3328.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3328