Positive Affect, Explore the Register of Veteran Specific Research
Positive affect, the experience of optimism, joy and emotional resilience plays a crucial role in veteran wellbeing. Research shows that cultivating positive emotions can buffer against stress, improve coping strategies and enhance recovery outcomes. For veterans, fostering positive affect supports mental health, strengthens social relationships and promotes engagement in meaningful activities. Understanding these benefits helps shape programs that encourage optimism and build pathways to sustained wellbeing.
This resource brings together available studies focused on positive affect. It’s designed to help researchers, policymakers and the veteran community access reliable information that supports wellbeing, recovery and systemic change. Please note that while much research is publicly available, some studies may require subscription access.
Explore the register below to find data about positive affect, if you’d like to explore another topic, you can do so here.
Title: Extreme sport as an intervention for physically injured military veterans: the example of competitive motorsport.
Author/Source: Serfioti, D. and N. Hunt, Disabil Rehabil, 2022. 44(24): p. 7566-7574.
Summary: Explored the impact of competitive motorsport (CM) on the wellbeing of 14 physically injured British military veterans. The study concludes that extreme sports like CM can be effective components of rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, offering unique therapeutic value beyond traditional clinical settings.
Title: World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
Author/Source: Bull, F.C., et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020. 54(24): p. 1451-1462.
Summary: These updated WHO guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behaviour across all age groups, including children, adults, older adults, pregnant and postpartum women, and individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities. The guidelines emphasise that any physical activity is better than none and advocate for reducing sedentary time to improve overall health outcomes.
Title: Disability sport is going back to its roots: rehabilitation of military personnel receiving sudden traumatic disabilities in the twenty-first century.
Author/Source: Brittain, I. and S. Green, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 2012. 4(2): p. 244-264.
Summary: Explores the historical and contemporary links between military rehabilitation and disability sport, particularly through the lens of the Paralympic movement. The study highlights how sport facilitates identity reconstruction, social reintegration, and psychological recovery for military personnel with traumatic injuries, reaffirming its foundational role in veteran rehabilitation.
Title: Effectiveness of surfing on psychological health in military members: a systematic review.
Author/Source: González-Devesa, D., et al., BMJ Mil Health, 2024
Summary: Analysed seven studies examining the psychological effects of surfing on military personnel and veterans. The findings suggest that surfing can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhance positive affect. However, the evidence did not support significant improvements in pain outcomes. While surfing appears beneficial for mental health, the review concludes that it does not offer superior advantages over other forms of physical activity, highlighting the need for further comparative research.
Title: The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games.
Author/Source: Brittain, I., K. Bunds, and J. Bocarro, Journal of Global Sport Management, 2024. 9(1): p. 62-85.
Summary: Investigates the rehabilitative role of sport for disabled military veterans who participated in the 2016 Invictus Games. The findings underscore sport’s transformative potential in veteran rehabilitation.
Title: Connection, meaning, and distraction: A qualitative study of video game play and mental health recovery in veterans treated for mental and/or behavioral health problems.
Author/Source: Colder Carras, M., et al., Soc Sci Med, 2018. 216: p. 124-132.
Summary: Explored how video game play supports mental health recovery among 20 U.S. military veterans undergoing treatment for mental or behavioural health issues. While some veterans reported problematic gaming behaviours, many described video games as a form of “personal medicine” that provided structure, meaning, and emotional relief. The authors suggest clinicians consider discussing gaming habits with patients to optimise its therapeutic potential.
Title: The impact of sport and physical activity on the wellbeing of combat veterans: A systematic review.
Author/Source: Caddick, N. and B. Smith, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2014. 15(1): p. 9-18.
Summary: Evaluates how sport and physical activity affect the wellbeing of combat veterans. The review found that participation in physical activity enhances subjective wellbeing through mechanisms such as active coping, PTSD symptom reduction, positive affect, and nature-based engagement. The review emphasises the rehabilitative potential of sport and physical activity, particularly for veterans with physical disabilities or PTSD, and calls for more research into nature-based interventions and gender-specific outcomes.
Title: An Exploratory Study of Adaptive Scuba Diving’s Effects on Psychological Wellbeing among Military Veterans.
Author/Source: Blumhorst, E.K., S; Cave, J., Therapeutic Recreation Journal 2020. 54(2): p. 173-188.
Summary: Assessed the psychological effects of a single 45-minute adaptive scuba diving session on 28 U.S. military veterans, many of whom had mental health conditions or physical impairments. The findings suggest that even brief exposure to adaptive scuba diving can positively impact psychological wellbeing, supporting its use as a complementary therapeutic recreation intervention.
Title: The promise of river running as a therapeutic medium for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Author/Source: Dustin, D., et al., Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 2011. 45: p. 326-340.
Summary: Examined the therapeutic potential of river running for veterans with PTSD through a pilot project involving the Veterans Administration, the University of Utah, and a commercial rafting company. The study found that river running facilitated emotional healing, social bonding, and a sense of accomplishment. Participants reported reduced stress, increased self-confidence, and a renewed connection with nature.
Title: Veteran stories, PTSD effects and therapeutic fly-fishing.
Author/Source: Mowatt, R.A. and J. Bennett, Ther Recreation J, 2011. 45(4): p. 286-308.
Summary: Examined 67 letters written by veterans who participated in a therapeutic fly-fishing program. The veterans, all diagnosed with PTSD, shared personal reflections on their experiences during the program. The study highlights the importance of storytelling in understanding veterans’ recovery journeys and supports fly-fishing as a meaningful therapeutic intervention.
Title: Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans experiencing physical and psychological injuries as a result of combat? A service evaluation of Deptherapy UK.
Author/Source: Morgan, A., et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, 2019. 41(23): p. 2832-2840.
Summary: Assessed the therapeutic impact of scuba diving on 15 UK military veterans with physical and/or psychological injuries. The most significant benefits were observed in veterans with psychological injuries. The study concludes that scuba diving, particularly when paired with peer support, can be a powerful rehabilitative tool for veterans coping with trauma.
Title: Enhancing the wellbeing of veterans using extended group-based nature recreation experiences.
Author/Source: Duvall, J. and R. Kaplan, The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2014. 51: p. 685-696.
Summary: Evaluated the psychological and social benefits of extended group-based nature recreation programs for 98 U.S. military veterans. These benefits were especially pronounced among veterans with more severe pre-existing health issues. Although some effects diminished over time, the findings support nature-based group recreation as a valuable non-clinical intervention for veterans coping with physical and mental health challenges.
