Ways Rural Group Peer Support Experiences Support PTSD Care
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22158254 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kathryn J Azevedo (0000-0003-3147-3444, National Center for PTSD, corresponding author), Stephanie J Glover (0000-0001-9538-8914, Palo Alto University), Elsa L Gay (0009-0008-4558-3875, Palo Alto University, corresponding author), Steven E Lindley (0000-0003-0051-8224, Palo Alto University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 108-124 |
| Publication date | 2024-04-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Veterans Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2470-4768 • E-ISSN: 2470-4768 |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech Libraries (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.21061/jvs.v10i1.498 |
| OpenAlex | W4394827178 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
Group peer support (GPS) has been shown to improve engagement in mental healthcare for veterans, but little is known about ways rural veterans experience outpatient GPS. This study investigates the lived experience of veterans participating in GPS in the service area of two rural Northern California Veterans Health Administration (VHA) community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). Twenty-nine participants, who attended in-person GPS sessions for at least three months, were consented. Interview responses were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and exported into Atlas.ti to conduct thematic analyses. A phenomenological inquiry revealed three prominent themes and related sub-themes listed in parentheses: (a) GPS encounters leverage shared experience to help participants unlearn detrimental cognitive patterns (conditioned reactivity, structural rigidity) where sustained participation may promote posttraumatic growth (comradery as healing); (b) participation facilitates connection to additional PTSD services (synergy, transformative, continuity of care); and (c) sessions provide therapeutic value that is distinct from clinical approaches (openness, evidenced-based therapy [EBT] experience, guidance versus holistic support). In this sample, GPS diminished social isolation, increased social connectivity, normalized participants’ struggles, and helped guide emotion identification, coping, and processing of traumatic experiences. Study findings also illustrated the mechanisms by which participants may seek further multidisciplinary PTSD care within VHA. These findings inform the future design of GPS and can help VHA clinicians and policymakers plan and maximize services along the continuum of PTSD care
Mental health · Multidisciplinary approach · Peer support · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Cancer survivorship and care · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Nursing · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology
Interpretative phenomenological analysis as a useful methodology for research on the lived experience of pain
Longitudinal Assessment of Mental Health Problems Among Active and Reserve Component Soldiers Returning From the Iraq War
Target Article
The posttraumatic growth inventory
Evaluating a Whole Health Approach to Enhance Veteran Care
Qualitative Study Examining Perceived Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health Care Among Student Veterans
Rethinking Violence Prevention in Rural and Underserved Communities
Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach
Peer Support and Outcome for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a Residential Rehabilitation Program
Using thematic analysis in psychology
The Mindful Body
Capturing Lived Experience
Postmodernism and medical anthropology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |