Loneliness and social isolation of military veterans: systematic narrative review

Occupational Medicine, Год журнала: 2018, Номер 68(9), С. 600 - 609

Опубликована: Окт. 18, 2018

Loneliness and social isolation are being increasingly recognized as influencing both physical mental health. There is limited research carried out with military veterans and, to date, there no review of existing evidence.To synthesize examine the evidence exploring aspects loneliness veterans, using a systematic narrative strategy.A database search was utilizing relevant criterion. Seven databases were searched for publications date restrictions. Articles included if they involved either or loneliness. The initial returned 484 papers, after exclusions, removal duplications, reference/citation search, 17 papers remained in this review.The retrieved examined four areas isolation: prevalence veteran population, experiences related service impacting isolation, relationship between health interventions combat isolation. Differences younger older also highlighted.It evident that present unique especially veterans. This requires specific attention outside campaigns targeted at non-military population.

Язык: Английский

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The Veteran's Identity Journey: A Qualitative Exploration Through Social Identity Model of Identity Change

Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 35(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 18, 2025

ABSTRACT The current study delves into the transition faced by military veterans upon their retirement from armed forces. Retirees encounter various difficulties, primarily revolving around shifts in group dynamics, alterations roles and responsibilities adapting to civilian life. Rooted Social Identity Model of Change (SIMIC), which posits that identification can mitigate threats well‐being during life transitions, we explored relevance this model context retirement. Through semi‐structured interviews with 17 retired veterans, employed reflexive thematic analysis investigate SIMIC's pathways. Our findings underscored significance identity continuity gain pathways, either posed challenges veterans' sense or facilitated adjustment process. compatibility between two pathways also played a crucial role facilitating This qualitative validation SIMIC sheds light on unique experiences transitioning Please refer Supporting Information section find article's Community Impact Statement .

Язык: Английский

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Ex-military personnel’s experiences of loneliness and social isolation from discharge, through transition, to the present day

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 17(6), С. e0269678 - e0269678

Опубликована: Июнь 6, 2022

This study aimed to examine the unique factors of loneliness and social isolation within ex-military population from discharge, through transition, present day.A qualitative, Phenomenological approach was adopted.In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 participants who had all served in British Armed Forces represented three military services (Royal Navy; Army; Royal Air Force). Reflexive Thematic Analysis used analyse data.Three themes generated-a sense loss; difficulty connecting civilian life; seeking familiarity. The findings this examined lenses Social Needs Approach Cognitive Discrepancy Model.Individuals developed close bonds meaningful prolonged contact, reducing feelings during their time service. belonging key connection, but transition severed existing relationships, a lack hindered development relationships community. has implications for service provision relating personnel future leavers.

Язык: Английский

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Psychological Adjustment of Aging Vietnam Veterans: The Role of Social Network Ties in Reengaging with Wartime Memories

Gerontology, Год журнала: 2019, Номер 66(2), С. 138 - 148

Опубликована: Сен. 10, 2019

It is projected that by 2020 there will be 8.7 million veterans over the age of 65 years, more than half (64%) whom served during Vietnam War. The effects military service on mental health and well-being may pronounced later in life among those who prior cohorts veterans. Many confront rework their wartime memories an attempt to find meaning coherence, engaging a process referred as <i>Later-Adulthood Trauma Reengagement</i> (LATR). LATR often occurs context other stressors are normative part aging, such role transitions (e.g., retirement), declines physical health, death close others spouses), perhaps because these events trigger reminiscence. Importantly, result either positive acceptance) or negative distress) psychological outcomes. has been suggested presence social/environmental resources, including socioemotional support, aid successfully navigating LATR. We, therefore, review relevant areas research delineate various layers social play ­helping – hindering aging they navigate late-life stressors. We conclude offering fruitful directions for future applied implications intervention efforts.

Язык: Английский

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Social isolation among older veterans: findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Aging & Mental Health, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 26(7), С. 1345 - 1352

Опубликована: Июнь 30, 2021

Objectives Social isolation is a critical public health issue that affects multiple domains of well-being among older adults, but little known about social military veterans. As such, the purpose this study was to estimate prevalence veterans and examine risk factors for veterans.Method Data were derived from Round 1 National Health Aging Trends Study, which an annual, longitudinal panel survey Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 older. The sample included 1,683 veterans, who primarily White male. Weighted logistic regression models used predict severe (having no participation) only one source while controlling age, sex, race, marital status, education, income, metropolitan residency.Results After accounting other predictors, results show are 85 older, male, White, unmarried or unpartnered, with lower educational attainment income greatly at both isolation.Conclusion support past research showing limited economic capital great experiencing adverse outcomes in adulthood, including isolation. Interventions should therefore aim improve connectedness population address risk-factors contribute

Язык: Английский

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A point of connection? Wellbeing, the veteran identity and older adults

Ageing and Society, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 41(9), С. 1984 - 2005

Опубликована: Март 3, 2020

Abstract Maintaining good wellbeing in older age is seen to have a positive effect on health, including cognitive and physiological functioning. This paper explores experiences of particular adult community: those who served the military. It aims identify specific challenges that ex-service personnel may have, reporting findings from qualitative study focused how veterans told stories military service what these revealed about wellbeing. We used approach; data are drawn 30 individual interviews, engagement with workshops. Analysis was conducted using data-driven constant comparison approach. Three themes presented: loneliness affects veterans; they draw fictive kinship; role visual culture. Although participants had diverse service, felt being veteran connected them community went beyond association experiences. Using narratives experience connect, both telling by listened to, vital. As veterans, adults were able access each other as resource for listening sharing. However, it also exclusionary: civilians, because lacked experience, could not empathise be resource.

Язык: Английский

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Living with mesothelioma: A qualitative study of the experiences of male military veterans in the UK

European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 50, С. 101889 - 101889

Опубликована: Дек. 19, 2020

PurposeThe UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in world. Evidence United States suggests that may disproportionately affect military veterans. However, there been no investigation experience veterans living with mesothelioma. The Military Mesothelioma Experience Study (MiMES) aimed to understand and health/support needs British Armed Forces personnel/veterans mesothelioma.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted 13 mesothelioma, nine family members Participants recruited via charities asbestos support groups. Data analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants' experiences are presented three themes, i) exposure awareness related diseases, ii) strategies cope iii) preferences for information support. MiMES indicates nature range veterans' is varied not limited high risk occupations. Participants' knowledge influenced their diagnosis. had coping by experiences. Assistance navigating health systems was considered beneficial, especially if provided professionals or military. Attributes which inhibit from seeking professional discussed.ConclusionMiMES provides insight into how Key implications focus on role Nurse Specialists, Asbestos Support Groups groups play providing acceptable

Язык: Английский

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Loneliness among veterans in the Netherlands

Occupational Medicine, Год журнала: 2019, Номер 69(8-9), С. 610 - 616

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2019

Abstract Background Loneliness among military veterans may have unique features because of deployment-related experiences. Consequently, loneliness is increasingly recognized as an issue that affect the health veterans, even years after deployment. Aims To examine prevalence in Dutch and to assess extent which their associated with factors. Methods We invited 6000 who left Armed Forces fill out a questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis was used association between factors addition demographic information, social support needs care. Results received responses 2643 (44%). Of them, 27% experienced at least some 13% severe loneliness. Social support, perceived comradeship during deployment positive effect one’s on life present are negatively related Younger age, living alone (with or without children), unemployment work disability, care general deployment-related, frustration longing back time were positively Conclusions Feelings prevalent Forces. Veterans’ several reduce veterans’ loneliness, attention for experiences its consequences recommended.

Язык: Английский

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Feasibility, Acceptance, and Initial Evaluation of a Telephone-Based Program Designed to Increase Socialization in Older Veterans

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 34(6), С. 594 - 605

Опубликована: Авг. 3, 2020

Loneliness is a public health issue, particularly for older Veterans. To increase Veterans’ access socialization opportunities, community-based telephone-delivered activity program was developed, in which Veterans can call and engage social activities through telephone. This paper illustrates the feasibility, acceptance, preliminary outcomes of this using mixed-methods design. Thirty-two enrolled program, with 14 attendees who called to at least once. Attendees were more likely be depressed than those did not baseline. Program acceptable high client satisfaction. Perceived benefits included structured interesting topics spend time on opportunity socialize, exchange ideas, connect other Individual challenges (e.g., hearing difficulty) program-level complicated procedures) reported during qualitative interviews. Among attendees, significant decrease loneliness from baseline 3-months found but should interpreted caution based small sample size. While positive findings emerged regarding further refinement needed improve future implementation.

Язык: Английский

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Museum-based art therapy and wellbeing programme: experiences of veterans with PTSD

International Journal of Art Therapy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 28(3), С. 142 - 149

Опубликована: Май 31, 2023

Background Engaging in creative arts and heritage have both been shown to improve wellbeing.Aim: The aim of the current study was explore veterans’ experiences attending Creative Wellbeing Programme programme (CWP) a military museum.Methods Seven veterans who attended CWP were invited share their through qualitative, semi-structured interview. interview explored engaging this type impact had on them. transcribed, thematic analysis conducted.Results Themes concerned three stages involvement: Pre-programme, experiences, Post-programme. Pre-Programme themes reasons for participation, pre-programmes feelings, hopes expectations. Experiences general role social support, museum, art therapy process. Post-Programme perceived outcomes. Overall, museum created relaxed informal environment, familiar items stimulated However, some led disengagement due fear that objects may prompt negative emotions.Conclusions findings suggest environment is beneficial. Future programmes should focus support post intervention.Implications: provides insight into acceptability within environment. It also adds growing international evidence concerning museums supporting mental health wellbeing.Plain language summary This aimed took part (CWP). involved using discussion as way with potentially traumatic memories. group facilitated connection sense belonging items.Seven interviewed via MS Teams about programme, exploring positive aspects participating. transcripts transcribed by anonymized before being analysed potential themes.Themes identified relating pre-programme, during following programme. Pre-programme centred participated, expectations groups, Post-programme outcomes felt resulted from taking programme.Overall, creativity despite feeling prompted emotions. indicate benefits experiencing difficulties.

Язык: Английский

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