Pathways to Positive Mental Health: A Comparison of Previously Deployed Canadian Armed Forces Regular and Reserve Force Members

Better understanding processes that may allow Reservists to maintain or improve positive mental health (PMH) despite exposure to deployment-related adversities may be of value. The purpose of this study is to, first, examine differences in PMH between Regular Force members and Reservists; and second, is to assess the role of organizational support mechanisms (i.e., mental health training), social support, and community belonging as pathways to PMH that may account for differences between Reservists and Regular Force members. A path analysis revealed that social support and local community belonging predicted better emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In addition, local community belonging acted as a protective factor in maintaining the social well-being of Reservists. Results may serve to inform programs and policies within the Canadian Armed Forces that aim to enhance social ties. Keywords: Social Support, Mental Health Training, Coping, Positive Mental Health, Canadian Armed Forces, Primary Reservist, Regular Force Member