Testing the Career Construction Model of Adaptation With Student Veterans

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces encounter many challenges when separating from the military, including transitioning into higher education. Previous studies have focused on specific topics related to the transition, such as student veterans’ demographic differences compared to civilian college students, mental health concerns, and physical health status. However, little is known about student veterans’ academic and career development needs from a career framework. The purpose of this study is to examine a hypothesized but untested pathway (adaptivity → adapting responses → adaptation results) within the Career Construction Model of Adaptation (CCMA) with a sample of 276 student veterans. Structural equation modeling results suggested the relationship between hope agency thinking and satisfaction with life is indirect and operates through occupational engagement. Similarly, the relationship between proactive personality and satisfaction with life is also indirect and operates through occupational engagement. Findings can assist career practitioners to facilitate the development of hope agency thinking, proactive personality, and occupational engagement among student veterans to promote their satisfaction with life.