Loneliness after service veteran loneliness and exclusion by veterans and nonveterans in Cyberball

Abstract

Previous research indicates that many veterans experience challenges when transitioning from military to civilian life, with a significant proportion reporting feelings of social exclusion and loneliness. However, these experiences have been documented primarily through self-report surveys with limited examination of their inter-relationship. The current study addressed this gap using an experimental Cyberball paradigm designed to simulate social exclusion. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between perceived exclusion and loneliness among post-9/11 U.S. military veterans. Veteran participants (N = 191) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 (inclusion vs. exclusion) x 2 (veteran vs. nonveteran online confederates) between-subjects design. Results revealed a significant interaction effect, with veterans reporting higher levels of loneliness when excluded by nonveteran confederates compared to when excluded by veteran confederates. Nostalgia for the military and warrior identity were each significantly associated with loneliness but did not moderate the effect of exclusion. These findings provide experimental evidence for the impact of perceived nonveteran exclusion on veteran loneliness and highlight the importance of facilitating veterans' social integration during the transition to civilian life.