Research and Studies
Health research and social research publications
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs carries out a wide range of research to support the health and wellbeing needs of veterans and families of veterans. This page brings together a range of DVA commissioned research, evaluations and literature reviews.
Readers should note that some older publications may reflect the evidence base and policy context at the time they were produced and may not fully align with current research, practice, or priorities.
A list of current projects can be seen at Current Research Projects.
What is the effectiveness of outreach services for improving mental health?
2019The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to outreach services for increasing quality of life, promoting access to services, and increasing functioning and mental health among adults with PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, alcohol-use disorder, or substance-use disorder.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Mental health changes over time: a longitudinal perspective report (2019)
2019Examines the shifts in mental health status over a five-year period in those who have transitioned out of military service.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Technology Use and Wellbeing Report (2019)
2019This report investigates technology and its use for physical and mental health programs.
Transition And Wellbeing Research Programme: Family Wellbeing Study (2019)
2019The Family Wellbeing Study focuses on how families are faring at two of the major stages of a military career: during service, and in the first years after the transition to civilian life.
The role of meditational practices and mindfulness in improving mental health
2018The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to meditation and mindfulness practices (meditation, transcendental meditation, mantra, yoga, and mindfulness) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adults.
Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study
2018The 'Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study' led by Mr Robert Cornall AO was released in December 2018. The aim of this study was to recommend the most suitable advocacy model for
Is online video counselling at least equally acceptable and equally as effective as in-person counselling?
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to investigate the efficacy of one-to-one online video counselling for the treatment of adults with mental health concerns and compare this treatment with traditional in-person counselling in terms of clinical outcomes, therapeutic alliance, client satisfaction and attrition.
Mental health impacts of compensation claim assessment processes on claimants and their families - Final Report
2018The purpose of this report is to collate evidence gleaned from the international research literature, as well as the personal experiences of claimants, family members, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) personnel.
The importance of sport for veteran physical and mental wellbeing
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to investigate the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities and whether these benefits are linked to the type of sporting activity being undertaken.
Healthy and active ageing in the veteran population and factors or interventions that achieve positive effect
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to establish whether ageing veterans experience challenges and issues that differ from those of the general population. Also, the factors and interventions that positively affect health and wellbeing outcomes for older people (particularly those from military backgrounds).