Self-Efficacy & Self-Agency, Explore the Register of Veteran Specific Research
Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to succeed, and self-agency the sense of control over life decisions. Both are vital for veterans transitioning from service to civilian life. These factors influence confidence, motivation and the capacity to set and achieve goals. Research shows that higher levels of self-efficacy and agency are linked to improved mental health, stronger social connections and better engagement in recovery programs. Understanding these dynamics helps shape initiatives that empower veterans, foster independence and build resilience.
This resource brings together available studies focused on self-efficacy and self-agency. 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 self-efficacy & self-agency, if you’d like to explore another topic, you can do so here.
Title: Identifying contextual influences of community reintegration among injured servicemembers.
Author/Source: Hawkins, B.L., et al., J Rehabil Res Dev, 2015. 52(2): p. 235-46.
Summary: Investigates how personal and environmental contextual factors influence community reintegration (CR) among injured servicemembers. Using both qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis, the researchers identified three CR levels—low, moderate, and high—and found that general self-efficacy, social support, and access to rehabilitation services were key facilitators of successful reintegration. Those with low CR reported more barriers, including physical limitations, policy constraints, and lack of support, while those with high CR described more enabling factors such as adapted sports, education, and community engagement.
Title: Posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: The mediating roles of posttraumatic stress symptoms and self-efficacy.
Author/Source: Zerach, G., Stress Health, 2024. 40(5): p. e3486.
Summary: Explores the psychological outcomes of military service among Israeli female combat veterans. It finds that posttraumatic growth (PTG) is positively associated with combat exposure and general self-efficacy (GSE), while posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and GSE mediate the relationship between combat exposure and PTG. The findings suggest that enhancing self-efficacy may foster psychological growth even in the presence of trauma, and clinicians should consider the diverse reactions veterans may have to combat experiences.
Title: Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and symptom clusters in a sample of treatment-seeking US veterans: Longitudinal associations with meaning in life and general self-efficacy.
Author/Source: Fischer, I.C., et al., J Affect Disord, 2023. 339: p. 781-787.
Summary: Examines how meaning in life and general self-efficacy relate to posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in treatment-seeking US veterans. The findings highlight the protective role of existential meaning in mitigating psychological distress and suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing life meaning may be effective in reducing PTSD and depression symptoms.
Title: Psychosocial Outcomes of Australian Male and Female Veterans Following Participation in Peer-Led Adventure-Based Therapy.
Author/Source: Theal, R., J.L. Kerin, and M. Romaniuk, Journal of Veterans Studies, 2020.
Summary: Evaluated the impact of Trojan’s Trek, a peer-led adventure-based therapy program, on 60 Australian veterans (56.7% male). The findings support the utility of peer-led adventure therapy for veterans with mental health challenges, though controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Title: Climbing towards recovery: investigating physically injured combat veterans’ psychosocial response to scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Author/Source: Burke, S.M. and A. Utley, Disabil Rehabil, 2013. 35(9): p. 732-9.
Summary: This ethnographic study followed four physically injured male combat veterans during a 9-day climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Through interviews and observations, researchers identified key psychosocial themes: self-determination, active coping, and social support. The climb fostered emotional resilience and personal growth, suggesting that meaningful and challenging activities can complement traditional rehabilitation strategies for trauma recovery.
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 20 U.S. veterans in mental health treatment used video games to support recovery. Interviews revealed that games facilitated adaptive coping (e.g., distraction, control), eudaimonic wellbeing (e.g., confidence, insight), and social connection (e.g., support, brotherhood). The study suggests clinicians should consider discussing gaming habits with veteran patients.
Title: More important than winning: A retrospective online research survey evaluating the effects of participating in an adaptive sports program for wounded, injured and ill Australian defence force veterans.
Author/Source: Lewis, A., Journal of Military and Veterans Health 2022. 30(3): p. 64-74.
Summary: Assessed the impact of the Australian Defence Force Adaptive Sports Program on 60 veterans. Participants reported increased physical activity (78%) and positive effects on rehabilitation (89%) after engaging in training camps for the Invictus and Warrior Games. The findings suggest that adaptive sports promote recovery, reintegration, and wellbeing, though further research is needed to assess broader program outcomes.
Title: I AM FAMILY: Understanding the adapted sport experiences of family members of military personnel with physical and psychological illnesses and injuries through the lens of the Invictus Games.
Author/Source: Duong, A., et al., Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2023. 68: p. 102457.
Summary: Explores the experiences of 21 family members (partners, parents, siblings, and children) of Invictus Games Toronto 2017 competitors, focusing on how adapted sport participation impacts families of military personnel with physical and psychological injuries. The study highlights the importance of including families in adapted sport programming, showing that such involvement fosters healing, identity reconstruction, and social connection for both veterans and their families.
Author/Source: Besemann, M., et al., Canadian Journal of Surgery, 2018. 61(6 Suppl 1): p. S219-S231.
Summary: Advocates for a bio-psychosocial-spiritual model in the rehabilitation of injured service members and veterans. The paper underscores that optimal outcomes depend on integrating these dimensions across all levels of healthcare delivery.
Author/Source: Chukwuemeka, N.A., et al., J Interpers Violence, 2024: p. 8862605241262239.
Summary: Examines the long-term psychological effects of the Nigerian-Biafran War on aging veterans, focusing on the role of social support and self-efficacy in mitigating PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest that social support enhances veterans’ belief in their ability to cope, which in turn reduces PTSD symptom severity, highlighting the importance of community-based interventions for aging veteran populations.
Author/Source: Ward, P., et al., Military Psychology, 2008. 20(sup1): p. S71-S102.
Summary: Explores the parallels between sport and military environments, both of which demand rapid decision-making under pressure. The paper calls for greater cross-disciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practices to improve training outcomes in military contexts.
Author/Source: Brittain, I., K. Bunds, and J. Bocarro, Journal of Global Sport Management, 2024. 9(1): p. 62-85.
Summary: Investigates the role of sport in the rehabilitation of disabled military veterans who participated in the 2016 Invictus Games. The findings underscore sport’s transformative potential in veteran rehabilitation.
Author/Source: Post, D., et al., PLoS One, 2023. 18(10): p. e0287228.
Summary: Explored the experiences of 15 Australian veterans participating in the Invictus Pathways Program (IPP), a sport-based initiative inspired by the Invictus Games. Participants reported improvements in physical fitness, social engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose. The program also fostered a sense of belonging and offered opportunities to contribute to the education of allied health students. Regardless of their health status, veterans found the IPP beneficial and expressed intentions to remain physically active post-program.
Author/Source: Hawkins, B.L.C., A.Lynne.; Crowe, Brandi M., Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 2011. 309(4): p. 309-325.
Summary: Examined the experiences of injured U.S. service members participating in a Paralympic military sports camp. The findings support the therapeutic potential of adaptive sports camps in promoting recovery and reintegration and offer guidance for developing future recreation-based rehabilitation programs.
Author/Source: Otter, L. and J. Currie, Disabil Rehabil, 2004. 26(1): p. 27-34.
Summary: Explored the experiences of 14 Australian Vietnam veterans participating in a 40-week community-based exercise program. The findings suggest that tailored community exercise programs can play a vital role in the psychological and physical rehabilitation of aging veterans.
Title: Military veteran athletes’ experiences of competing at the 2016 Invictus Games: a qualitative study.
Author/Source: Roberts, G.A., et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, 2021. 43(24): p. 3552-3561.
Summary: Examined the experiences of 15 military veterans who competed in the 2016 Invictus Games. The study underscores the need for structured support before, during, and after such events to maximise their rehabilitative potential.
Author/Source: Coulthard, J. and M. Therrien, Military Behavioral Health, 2022. 10(1): p. 60-69.
Summary: Explored the optimal timing for introducing sport and physical activity programs to ill and injured military personnel and veterans. The research emphasises the importance of timing and individualised approaches in maximising the benefits of sport-based interventions for recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Author/Source: Sporner, M.L., et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, 2009. 31(5): p. 410-418.
Summary: Assessed the psychosocial benefits of participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) and Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) for veterans with disabilities. The findings support the recommendation of adaptive sports events like NVWG and WSC as valuable tools for psychosocial rehabilitation.
