Post‐combat adjustment
Understanding transition
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12936658 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anna Verey (0000-0003-1988-5710, Goldsmiths University of London, corresponding author), P K Smith (0000-0002-5010-5359, Goldsmiths University of London) |
| Year | 2012 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 226-236 |
| Publication date | 2012-09-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1759-6599 • E-ISSN: 2042-8715 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/17596591211270716 |
| OpenAlex | W1987690374 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 9 |
Purpose Research into the difficulties of post‐combat service personnel adjusting to civilian society has largely focussed on quantifiable symptoms including post combat stress disorder. This paper aims to present qualitative data on experiences of military personnel who have served in combat, concentrating on how events in combat impacted on their subsequent transition back to the UK. Design/methodology/approach The authors asked participants to focus on stressful experiences in combat and their ensuing experiences of work, family relationships, civilian society and emotional health. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 military personnel who had returned from active combat. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Six major themes were found: the importance of being part of a group – this provided collective identity, as well as providing a context for legalised violent behaviour; shared experience – personnel prefer to seek support from individuals with similar experiences; help‐seeking – personnel prefer to seek help from friends as opposed to professionals; professionalism and emotional processing – the “macho” approaches in the military may prevent real help‐seeking and emotional disclosure; relationships and family – there were adjustments to be made in regard to personal relationships; civilian society – participants found civilian society to be lacking in real challenge and some engaged in risk‐taking behaviour. Research limitations/implications The research is limited by the small sample, mainly with commissioned officers. Practical implications It would be of benefit to service personnel if those in helping professions who are working with them, also had experience of combat. Pre‐combat training and post‐combat debriefing may assist smoother transitions. Family counselling may be of benefit for personnel and their families. Originality/value The research provides new and important insights into the difficulties facing personnel returning from stressful combat situations, and how they may best be helped
Context (archaeology · Debriefing · Focus group · Military personnel · Military service · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Applied Psychology · Gender, Security, and Conflict · Occupational Health and Performance · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Social Psychology
A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective on the Divide within the Veteran Self
Emotional responses to potentially traumatic events
Advancing an understanding of selves in transition
Revisiting Living in Limbo to Illustrate a Pastoral Psychological Understanding of Transition from Military to Civilian Life
| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,5 |
| Citation span | 2018 - 2025 (8) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 4 |