My research examines how psychosocial factors affect health, especially how individuals cope with stress. I also examine how personality, mental health, and physical health change across the lifespan. I am particularly interested in factors which affect the rate of aging, as well as stress-related growth.

Spotlight

Long-Term Outcomes of Military Service: The Health and Well-Being of Aging Veterans

Edited by Avron Spiro, Richard A. Settersten, Jr., and Carolyn M. Aldwin

Using data compiled from longitudinal studies of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, contributors to this groundbreaking book examine the effects of military service across the lifespan. The U.S. spends more than 100 billion dollars annually on healthcare for more than 30 million active military and veterans.

The prevalence of negative trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans is well-known. But other more subtle effects of military service — particularly on health and well-being in later life — are less well-understood, among researchers as well as medical and mental health professionals who care for veterans.

Chapters in this book give us crucial insights into the impact of military service, including the surprising finding that service can serve as a protective factor in some contexts, throughout the aging process.

Topic areas include

the effects of combat and stress on longevity and brain functioning
the use of memory, cognition, and ego development at various points in life
the relationship between experiences of discrimination and the later development of PTSD
marriage longevity
employment
the way notions of patriotism and nationalism among service personnel and their families may change over time

Visit the website for this book.

Positive and Negative Mental Health Outcomes in Late Life: Stress, Suicide, and Wisdom

Five College of Health professors present on topics related to optimizing mental health across the adult lifespan. Each presenter has conducted research in the area they are speaking about and integrate results from their studies into the general theme of mental health across the lifespan.