Dissertation
Development and initial validation of the in garrison stressors measure
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jul 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011522
Abstract
Research on military mental health has often focused on combat exposure and deployment-related stressors among active-duty and veteran populations. More recently, the literature has expanded to include non-deployment stressors; however, the everyday stressors that service members face while in garrison (i.e., their home base or installation) remain understudied. A preliminary study (Toner, 2024) provided initial evidence of a relationship between mental health outcomes and in garrison stressors; however, the measure used to examine in garrison stressors had not previously been validated and took a narrow approach by focusing on the occupational aspects of these stressors. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop and provide initial validation of a comprehensive measure of in garrison stressors using a multi-phase, mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 included item generation and refinement through surveys completed by subject matter experts and veterans. Phase 2 consisted of cognitive interviews with veterans to evaluate the clarity and relevance of the revised items. Phase 3 administered the refined measure to a sample of recent veterans to evaluate its psychometric properties. The results of this study provided initial psychometric support for the reliability and validity of the newly created in garrison stressors measure.
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Details
- Title
- Development and initial validation of the in garrison stressors measure
- Creators
- Kelly A. Toner
- Contributors
- Arthur M. Nezu (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- ix, 10-141 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022200955704721