Abstract
U.S. military veterans transitioning back into the civilian sector often experience a variety of challenges and need to readjust into non-military environments. In order to examine the psychological challenges involved in the transition and readjustment processes among U. S. active military veterans, a qualitative study was conducted. For 6 months, data was collected from veterans in California, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and New York. Following an IRB approval, semi-structured open-ended self-developed interviews were developed and conducted with sixteen military veterans who have served in 4 branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Data and information collected included social and military demographics, as well as experience with the veterans' identity before, during, and after serving in the military. The aims of this study were: 1) To identify self-concept and development with military identity 2) To investigate the relationship between identity disruption and criteria for adjustment disorder (following the DSM-5-TR definitions), and 3) Single out psychosocial factors that helped or could have helped with identity readjustment into the civilian sector. Themes related to veterans' identity and civilian adjustment were important factors post-military discharge.
Recommended Citation
Sosa, Darren A.
(2024)
"U.S. Military Veteran Identity and Civilian Adjustment,"
Pacific Journal of Health: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56031/2576-215X.1054
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pjh/vol7/iss1/5
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Work Commons, Sociology Commons, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Commons
