Attachment, Relationships, Academic Problems, and Negative Emotions in Student Veterans With Disabilities

Abstract

In U.S. higher education, the student veteran population is growing. As we research and research and gain deeper insights into student veterans and the impact that their military service has on their lives, we begin to uncover connections, such as challenges in romantic and sexual aspects, as well as negative emotions, that may provide valuable insight to counselors. This study aimed to examine whether the relationship between unhealthy attachment and academic problems could be mediated by problems in romantic and sexual relationships, as well as negative emotions, among student veterans with disabilities. Data were collected from 129 student veterans with disabilities who receive counseling and accommodation services from college disability services. The findings revealed that, in student veterans with disabilities, the association between unhealthy attachment and academic problems was partially mediated by romantic and sexual relationship problems, as well as negative emotions. We discussed the implications for counselors and researchers.