A Qualitative Examination of Veterans' Lived Experience with Post-Military Community Reintegration

Background and Purpose

Veterans often struggle with community reintegration upon military discharge, facing challenges including loss of structure, job insecurity, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.  Data suggest post-traumatic stress rates for U.S. Veterans may range as high as 60% of the population.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has estimated that approximately 22 Veterans commit suicide daily. Quantitative studies indicate that post 9/11 Veterans are at higher risk for functional difficulties upon reintegration. Existing studies have focused primarily on post-traumatic stress disorder, resulting in a lack of empirical research on the broader experiences of Veterans facing reintegration. This study addresses this gap utilizing a qualitative examination into the lived experience of such Veterans. Participants offered insight into specific reintegration challenges, and described the use of peer support as a coping strategies. 

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative design was used to examine the process of reintegration for Veterans spanning multiple eras. Building on quantitative data collected from eleven program sites over a 24-month period, 65 Veterans and family members participated in extensive personal interviews.  Participants included Veterans receiving peer support, Veteran mentors, program directors, and family members.  Three interviewers, including a trained combat Veteran, conducted interviews using a semi-structured guide.  Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed for themes using Atlas TI software.  An inductive approach with Template Analysis was used to analyze data in partnership with a team of Veteran consultants to maximize understanding of military culture.

Results

The study findings reveal that Veterans face a highly complex set of challenges upon reintegration. The experience of those challenges has had a significant impact upon functionality and successful community living for participants. Data analysis yielded 110 codes, clustered into 4 primary categories and then classified into secondary and tertiary level codes. Codes with the highest participant endorsement were organized into themes. Themes included the significance of loss (of structure, camaraderie, perceived life value, military culture, and mission/purpose), the lack of military preparation for reintegration, feelings of guilt (e.g. survivor’s), emotional and physical isolation from others, feeling misunderstood by civilians, dramatic change (e.g. world view, existential meaning, moral/political, personal relationships, etc.), and resistance to engagement in traditional services. The findings also indicated behavioral responses to reintegration including substance use, social isolation, hyper vigilance, denial and compartmentalization. Finally participants described the positive impacts of social connections and peer support with other Veterans as being essential to overcoming reintegration challenges and experiencing life-changing personal growth following military service.

Conclusion and Implications

This study has direct implications for social work practice, education and research, as well as social policy related to Veterans and military families.  Participants reported the impact of leaving the military leads to increased isolation, mental health challenges, and in some cases suicidal thoughts. Veterans indicated that peer support can replicate the social cohesion and bonds formed during military service, and can ease resistance to the stigma of service engagement.  Veterans’ services, including social work, must incorporate knowledge of military culture and the role of peer support when working with Veterans.