Exploratory study of participants in veterans court

Abstract

Having to work inside of an unforgiving military environment can and does change an individual. Some have to face the worst elements of what humanity has to offer. Some fulfill their obligations without any looming physical, legal, or mental ailments; they carry a burden with them for the rest of their lives without incident. However, some turn to deviant behavior to either cope, or simply survive. Many of our veterans have developed some issue or residual mental disorder which may have had an effect on behaviors turning criminal. What we are trying to understand is who may be at risk in developing these issues or mental disorders through service, and whether they may be more likely to commit criminal acts because of their military service or the residual effects of mental disorders possibly developed through service. The eventual goal of determining whether there is a cause and effect relationship between the veterans' issues and criminality cannot be achieved without first gathering basic data that is lacking in the relevant literature. This exploratory study intends to provide raw material in the quest for understanding larger issues of causality. In particular, this study looks at veteran status, criminal and legal issues, and whether or not these individuals have been diagnosed with a mental disorder such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), any Anxiety Disorder, Stressor Disorders, Depressive Disorders, or any other disorder that can or may be related to their service. The data is analyzed to identify factors that correlate to a veteran's involvement in Veterans court. Through this study, we hope to help improve our understanding of these rising issues, and develop additional strategies and techniques to combat them.