Occupational identity and the military to civilian transition of former serving Australian Defence Force members

Bibliographic Data

ID12644619
AuthorsNathan C Kerr (0000-0003-3797-8996, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia, corresponding author), Shelly J Lane (0000-0002-3689-1760, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia), Ronald C Plotnikoff (0000-0002-3763-8273, Centre for Active Living and Learning, The University of Newcastle, Australia), Samantha Ashby (0000-0002-7675-6133, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Australia)
Year2023
Volume31
Issue2
Pages324-336
Publication date2023-08-17
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Occupational Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1442-7591 • E-ISSN: 2158-1576
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14427591.2023.2246133
OpenAlexW4385903530
LanguageEN
References cited33

Internationally, there is recognition that the transition from military service to civilian life is challenged by a military identity. The aim of this study was to present the impact of an occupational military identity on the transition to civilian life from the perspective of former serving Australian Defence Force members. A narrative inquiry methodology was employed to explore the transition experience of the participants who each shared the story of their transition, presenting a narrative for data analysis. This analysis utilised Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis (2006, 2020), and the a priori theme of identity. The 12 participant narratives led to the presentation of four themes: 1) Transition and a military identity; 2) Military service and a military identity; 3) Military identity and separation type (voluntary and involuntary); and 4) Enabling transition and the military identity in civilian life. The participants' narratives highlighted how their occupational participation in military training and culture shaped an identity to challenge transition. We also thank Open Arms for their support to enable recruitment.Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)

Criminology · Identity (music · Occupational science · Physics · Political science · Psychiatry · Transition (genetics · Employment and Welfare Studies · Psychology · Occupational Therapy

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