Demobilization and Psychosocial Adjustment: Evaluating Long-Term Combant Reintegration Frameworks

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 6, No. 11, November 2015 | pp. 541–549

DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000082

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Demobilization and Psychosocial Adjustment: Evaluating Long-Term Combant Reintegration Frameworks

Names of Authors: Manuel Rodriguez¹, Sven Lindqvist²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Psychology, Central American University, San Salvador, El Salvador; ²Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

Abstract: Abstract: The long-term psychosocial adjustment of military and rebel combatants following formal demobilization remains a critical factor in preventing post-war urban instability. This study presents a longitudinal evaluation of psychological rehabilitation outcomes among 300 civil war veterans, two decades after formal national peace accords. Mental health and social integration outcomes were measured using standardized psychological scales tracking post-traumatic symptoms, economic stability, and civic engagement. The empirical testing demonstrates that severe trauma symptoms remain persistent, with 38% of aging veterans meeting clinical thresholds for chronic PTSD (Mean Score = 46.2 ± 5.8). Regression models reveal that long-term social alienation and chronic underemployment are the strongest predictors of persistent psychological distress (R² = 0.48, p < 0.001). Conversely, sustained access to veteran agricultural cooperatives was strongly associated with positive social adjustment scores. The study demonstrates that short-term disarmament programs fail to address lifelong trauma, underscoring the necessity of integrating mental health support into state welfare architectures.

Keywords: Combatant Reintegration, Psychosocial Adjustment, Demobilization, Post-Traumatic Stress, Longitudinal Tracking, Veteran Welfare, Cooperative Economics

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 20, 2015; Revised: August 14, 2015; Accepted: September 18, 2015; Published: November 24, 2015

Citation: Rodriguez, M., & Lindqvist, S. (2015). Demobilization and Psychosocial Adjustment: Evaluating Long-Term Combant Reintegration Frameworks. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 6(11), 541–549. DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000082

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