Facebook Use and Well-Being Among Army Veterans With PTSD

Abstract

This study examines the connection between the duration of Facebook use and psychological well-being among army veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An online survey determined the duration of Facebook use, PTSD online support group membership, PTSD symptom severity, depression severity, perceived social support, happiness, and health among a sample of veterans (n = 113). We found that duration of Facebook use was a predictor of PTSD symptom severity, even after controlling for demographic variables, PTSD diagnosis, institutional recognition, and depression severity. In addition, we found that membership in an online support group for veterans with PTSD was associated with an increase in happiness levels and a decrease in depression symptoms. This study offers a new understanding of the effect that social media use exerts on psychological well-being among vulnerable groups.