Exploring the impact of gender-specific challenges during and after military service on female UK Veterans

Baumann, Julia; Williamson, Charlotte; Murphy, Dominic

doi:10.3138/jmvfh-2021-0065

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…This was interesting given that research has shown female veterans are more likely to seek support and treatment than their male counterparts (Jones et al, 2019). However, studies have shown that women reported feeling less welcomed to veteran mental health organizations (Baumann et al, 2022; Thomas et al, 2017), and therefore they may have sought help elsewhere. Despite this, previous literature has reported females in the U.K. Armed Forces are less at risk of experiencing mental health difficulties (Fear et al, 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans.

Williamson¹,

Baumann²,

Murphy³

2023

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

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Objective: Military veterans experience a higher prevalence of mental health difficulties compared with the general population. Research has highlighted veterans who experience mental health difficulties have poorer treatment outcomes. Understanding veteran needs may help improve veteran mental health services and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the complexity of health and well-being needs among a national clinical sample of veterans. Method: In total, 989 veterans from a U.K. veterans mental health charity were invited to complete a questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics, military experiences, physical and mental health, and well-being. Results: Of the invitees, 428 veterans (43.3%) completed the questionnaire. Common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, were the most frequently reported mental health difficulty (80.7%), followed by loneliness (79.1%) and perceived low social support (72.2%). Rates of PTSD were also high (68.7% any PTSD), with most participants experiencing complex PTSD (CPTSD; 62.5%) compared with PTSD (6.2%). Veterans with co-occurring CPTSD symptoms have poorer health due to a higher number of comorbidities, for instance between CPTSD and moral injury. Conclusions: Comorbidity appeared to be the norm rather than the exception within treatment-seeking veterans. As such, it seems important for veteran mental health services to take a holistic approach when supporting veterans. Clinical Impact StatementData from systematic reviews suggest that veterans with mental health difficulties (in particular, PTSD) do not respond as well to treatment as members of the general public. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the unique needs of treatment-seeking veterans. The current study aims to address this by exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of treatment-seeking veterans. The data presented shows the prevalence of health difficulties within this population and the comorbid relationship of these difficulties. This allows us to better understand how to support this at-risk population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…less welcomed to veteran mental health organizations (Baumann et al, 2022;Thomas et al, 2017), and therefore they may have sought help elsewhere. Despite this, previous literature has reported females in the U.K. Armed Forces are less at risk of experiencing mental health difficulties (Fear et al, 2010).…”

Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans.

Williamson¹,

Baumann²,

Murphy³

2023

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

Self Cite

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LGB Female Veterans’ Experience of Military Service During the “Gay Ban”: A Qualitative Study

Biscoe,

Hendrikx,

Williamson

et al. 2023

Sex Res Soc Policy

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Introduction Until 2000, the UK Armed Forces implemented a “gay ban” that led to the investigation and discharge of thousands of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) veterans. Yet, the experiences of those who served during the ban remain unknown. According to the minority stress model, individuals may face specific stressors related to both their gender and sexual minority status. Thus, the present study investigated the military experiences of female veterans who identify as LGB and who served during the ban. Methods Female LGB veterans (N = 10) were recruited from a larger cohort of female veterans who previously took part in a survey with a UK national veteran mental health charity. Participants were interviewed online using MS Teams between March and May 2022. A semi-structured interview method was employed to explore participants’ experiences of being LGB within the military as well as perceived differential treatment. Thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify key themes. Results Three overarching and seven subthemes were identified, reflecting the risk of being found out, the experience of negative treatment, and possible buffering factors. Conclusions Female LGB veterans who served under the “gay ban” faced negative experiences, including fear and distress, sexism, and interpersonal and institutional discrimination related to their (perceived) sexual orientation. In addition to experiencing negative treatment during service similar to non-LGB female veterans, LGB female veterans may face an elevated risk of being targeted and additionally experience sexual orientation discrimination. Findings of the current study are in line with the minority stress model. Policy Implications The current findings correspond with US evidence of ongoing negative treatment of LGB serving personnel. Together, this should encourage further investigation of ongoing negative treatment of LGB females within the UK Armed Forces, adaptations of veteran services to address unmet needs of female LGB veterans, and appropriate training to combat negative differential treatment of LGB female serving personnel.

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Exploring help-seeking patterns of UK veterans with mental health difficulties: Referrals to Combat Stress 2012–2022

Campbell,

Weijers,

Barker

et al. 2023

European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

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Exploring the impact of gender-specific challenges during and after military service on female UK Veterans

Cited by 8 publications

References 28 publications

Exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans.

Exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans.

LGB Female Veterans’ Experience of Military Service During the “Gay Ban”: A Qualitative Study

Exploring help-seeking patterns of UK veterans with mental health difficulties: Referrals to Combat Stress 2012–2022

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