Student Service Members and Veterans Who Access Pastoral Care for the Purposes of Mental Health Support

Kopacz, Marek S.; Karras, Elizabeth

doi:10.1080/07448481.2014.923430

Cited by 16 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Evidence supports this mentality continues beyond active service as both SSM/Vs and non-student service members and veterans report stigma toward the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health services, with 43% attributing this to not wanting treatment on their record (Bonar et al, 2015). This is noteworthy as SSM/Vs are less likely to access VA care than non-student service members and veterans, suggesting they may use campus services instead (Bonar et al, 2015), or alternatives such as pastoral care (Kopacz & Karras, 2015). Indeed, evidence indicates SSM/Vs with a high need for care are accessing campus health services (Albright et al, 2017;Valenstein et al, 2020).…”

Section: Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unlocking SSM/V Success: Welcoming Student Service Members and Veterans and Supporting SSM/V Experiences

Hodges

Gomes

Foral

et al. 2022

Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Pr

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Helping student service members and veterans (SSM/Vs) earn a college degree is central to supporting them post-service. Yet, this generation of SSM/Vs faces challenges in higher education, including problems adapting, poor health, and administrative constraints, contributing to worsened academic outcomes and a sense of isolation on campus. This monograph synthesizes research on the challenges facing SSM/Vs. It also frames common aspects of successful programs aiding SSM/Vs as three areas for intervention: how administrators and faculty can create a welcoming campus for SSM/Vs; ways universities can create support systems for SSM/V social, health, and academic success; and engaging community partnerships to enable these efforts. Whether SSM/Vs overcome their challenges and unlock their strengths is contingent on opportunities provided within the school itself, and by its faculty, administrators, students, and community. Central to these efforts should be the goal of inclusivity enhancement, community building, and reduction of health-related dysfunction among SSM/Vs.

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Section: Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unlocking SSM/V Success: Welcoming Student Service Members and Veterans and Supporting SSM/V Experiences

Hodges

Gomes

Foral

et al. 2022

Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Pr

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Veterans dealing with a substance use disorder may also report longing for a sense of meaning and purpose (Allen, Nieuwsma, Pollitt, & Blazer, 2014). Veterans are also known to actively seek-out pastoral care services for religious/spiritual as well as mental health support (Blosnich, Kopacz, McCarten, & Bossarte, 2014; Kopacz & Karras, 2014; Nieuwsma, Rhodes, Cantrell, et al, 2013; Nieuwsma, Rhodes, Jackson, et al, 2013). Pastoral care is defined as “a therapeutic modality distinguished by the dialogue of caregiver and careseeker that explores the possibility and implications of a religious definition of the latter’s situation” (Furniss, 1994, p. 177).…”

Section: A Veteran’s Spiritual Strugglementioning

confidence: 99%

The veteran spiritual struggle.

Kopacz¹,

Connery²

2015

Spirituality in Clinical Practice

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Although a considerable body of literature has been devoted to examining the physical, psychological, and social needs of veterans after their return from deployment, relatively little is known about the spiritual struggles some veterans face. In this article, we review what we know about this spiritual struggle, highlight the relevance of spirituality in clinical practice, and show examples of how a veteran's spiritual struggle may simultaneously present alongside different suicide risk factors. Suggestions for handling this spiritual struggle are then made.

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“…chaplains for support in times of distress (Besterman-Dahan, Gibbons, Barnett, & Hickling, 2012;Bonner et al, 2013;Iversen et al, 2010;Kirchner, Farmer, Shue, Blevins, & Sullivan, 2011;Kopacz & Karras, 2014;Sullivan, 2007). Considering the broad cross-section of patients who seek health care through VAMCs, most chaplains can also be expected to have contact with Veterans considered to be at increased risk of suicide (Kopacz, 2013).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the Role of Chaplains in Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts

et al. 2014

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In 2007, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiated an intensive effort aimed at reducing suicidal behavior among Veteran populations (Kemp, 2014). At present, the number of Veterans who die by suicide is estimated at 18 to 22 per day, accounting for approximately 18% of all suicide completions in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014;Kemp & Bossarte, 2013). These high rates are thought to be due, at least in part, to the increased incidence of diagnosed mental health disorders in this group (LeardMann et al., 2013). Be that as it may, suicide is much more than just a mental health issue (Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, & National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, 2012). Research finds that more than 50% of those who die by suicide do not have a psychiatric diagnosis (Bertolote & Fleischmann, 2002). This highlights the need for novel support options, not limited only to formal mental health services, which can be accessed by at-risk populations.All VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) staff clinical chaplains who provide spiritual and pastoral care services when requested by the Veteran. Pastoral care is sometimes defined as "a therapeutic modality distinguished by the dialogue of caregiver and careseeker that explores the possibility and implications of a religious definition of the latter's situation" (Furniss, 1994, p. 177). Spiritual care relates to "an appreciation of presence and purpose that includes a sense of meaning" and is inclusive of pastoral care (VandeCreek & Burton, 2001, p. 2). Most chaplains also provide a number of services not directly affiliated with any faith tradition, such as crisis intervention, emotional enabling, ethical consultation, deliberation, life review, patient advocacy, counseling, bereavement, and empathetic listening (Handzo et al., 2008). Unlike some community-level clergy or pastoral care providers, clinical chaplains are specially trained to support patients in health care settings.VA chaplains have assumed a unique place within the structure of services provided at VAMCs. As a matter of policy, the comprehensive health care package offered to Veterans is expected to include spiritual and pastoral care (i.e., when so requested by the patient; Department of Veterans Affairs, 2008a). Many Veterans will look to 553589S GOXXX10.

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Student Service Members and Veterans Who Access Pastoral Care for the Purposes of Mental Health Support

Abstract: Many SSM/V look to pastoral care for mental health support. Colleges should consider incorporating a pastoral care component into specialized health care programs provided to SSM/V.

Cited by 16 publications

References 22 publications

Unlocking SSM/V Success: Welcoming Student Service Members and Veterans and Supporting SSM/V Experiences

Unlocking SSM/V Success: Welcoming Student Service Members and Veterans and Supporting SSM/V Experiences

The veteran spiritual struggle.

Understanding the Role of Chaplains in Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts

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