The Relationship between Spiritual Well-being of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Experimental Avoidance: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy: A Descriptive Study

Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans is associated with low levels of spiritual well-being. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between spiritual well-being of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and experimental avoidance.

In this descriptive study, 200 veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, who were hospitalized and treated in Isar Psychiatric Hospital in Ardabil in 2020, were selected as a purposive sample and examined. Paloutzian and Ellisonchr('39')s Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Second Version of Bond et al.-, and the Sherer and Maddux Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Based on the results, the causal model of the relationship between experimental avoidance, self-efficacy, and spiritual well-being in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder was confirmed based on various fitting indicators. Experimental avoidance (β=-0.26, p<0.001) and self-efficacy (β=0.69, p<0.001) had a direct effect on the spiritual well-being of veterans with stress disorder. Also, experimental avoidance through self-efficacy had an indirect effect on the spiritual well-being of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (β=0.504, p<0.001).

In general, the results showed that experimental avoidance directly and indirectly and mediated by self-efficacy play a role in the level of spiritual well-being of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. It is recommended to hold training workshops to reduce experimental avoidance and increase self-efficacy and awareness of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder of the effects of spiritual well-being on their quality of life.