Volunteering improves physical health, mental health, and social outcomes for returning military veterans, a recent study found. In the first national study of civic service among US military veterans, researchers explored whether volunteering impacts a variety of biopsychosocial outcomes, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, among returning military veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. A survey was conducted enrolling a prospective cohort of US veterans (n=346) who served in the military after September 11, 2001, and who participated in a national civic service program. They found:

• Statistically significant differences were detected in overall health rating, level of emotional difficulty, PTSD and depression symptoms, purpose in life, self-efficacy, social isolation, and the perceived availability of social support at program completion.
• Screening positive for probable PTSD predicted improved perceived self-efficacy while probable depression predicted a decrease in loneliness, an increase in purpose in life, and an increase in perceived social support, at program completion.