Student Veterans’ Assimilation in Higher Education: The Role of Identity Complexity

Although large numbers of military veterans are currently entering institutions of higher education, veterans often feel out of place in college and identify more strongly with their military role than that of learner. Drawing from the topics of organizational assimilation and social identity complexity, this study examines the communication processes as student veterans adjust to college life. A sample of current student veterans (N = 85) completed measures of assimilation, organization commitment, and social identity complexity. General acculturation and peer assimilation were positively related to affective commitment, while higher identity complexity was related to commitment to program completion and faculty assimilation. Implications of the present findings and areas for future research are presented.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_facultygallery/1047/thumbnail.jp