Less Engagement in Pleasurable Activities Is Associated With Poorer Quality of Life for Veterans With Comorbid Postdeployment Conditions

Abstract

The presence of multiple comorbid conditions is common after combat deployment and complicates treatment. A potential treatment approach is to target shared mechanisms across conditions that maintain poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One such mechanism may be decrements in pleasurable activities. Impairment in pleasurable activities frequently occurs after deployment and may be associated with poorer HRQOL. In this brief report, we surveyed 126 veterans who had previously sought an assessment at a Veterans Affairs postdeployment health clinic and assessed pleasurable activities, HRQOL, and postdeployment health symptoms. Forty-three percent of veterans met our criteria for all 3 postdeployment conditions (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic widespread physical symptoms). Greater engagement in pleasurable activities was associated with better HRQOL for all veterans regardless of type or level of postdeployment health symptoms. Future research should study if interventions that encourage veterans with postdeployment health conditions to engage in pleasurable activities are effective rehabilitation strategies.

• veteran
• quality of life
• pleasurable activity
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• social activity