Veteran Coffee Socials: A Community-Building Strategy for Enhancing Community Reintegration of Veterans

Gorman, Jay A.; Scoglio, Arielle A J; Smolinsky, John; Russo, Anthony J.; Drebing, Charles E.

doi:10.1007/s10597-018-0288-y

Cited by 26 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…This is an important finding since many veterans struggle to develop connections with others who have never served in the military (Ahern et al, 2015) but still wish to develop this type of camaraderie in their civilian life. Consistent with previous research (Gorman et al, 2018; Jain et al, 2016; Laffaye et al, 2008), veterans reported that their relational bonds were strongest with other veterans in OH. This provides additional support for the veteran identity as particularly central to veterans’ self‐conceptualization (Hart & Lancaster, 2019; Nichols, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“It's like a Brotherhood”: Thematic analysis of veterans’ identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes

Guerrero

Wiedbusch

Abo

et al. 2021

Journal Community Psychology

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This exploratory study aimed to understand how veterans' social identity influenced their experiences living in Oxford Houses (OH)-the largest network of substance use recovery homes in the United States. We conducted three focus groups, with 20 veterans who were current or former OH residents. Thematic analysis revealed several ways in which participants' veteran identity influenced their experiences living in OH, including: (1) thriving through OH organizational similarities with the military, (2) relationships with other OH residents, and (3) and growth and reintegration. The themes were interpreted using the Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change perspectives. Social identity processes were found to play an influential role in veterans' experiences in their recovery homes and reintegration into civilian life. Findings highlight the importance of veterans developing a community within a culturally congruent setting to facilitate their recovery from substance use disorders and adjustment to life post-military service.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“It's like a Brotherhood”: Thematic analysis of veterans’ identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes

Guerrero

Wiedbusch

Abo

et al. 2021

Journal Community Psychology

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“…Improved social connectedness and wellbeing has also been reported among contemporary ex-serving Australian veterans who participated in a peer outdoor support therapy program [ 85 ]. Research is also emerging in support of the improved social connectedness among ex-serving veterans attending programs without a clinical focus such as social networking groups [ 85 , 87 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Importantly, a sense of social connectedness is not fixed, and can be established where individuals experience trusting relationships, are not rejected, and feel a sense of collective identity [31]. As such, peer-support and group-based behavioural activation programs provide striking examples of how military identity and social connectedness may interrelate to influence wellbeing [81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90]. For instance, veteran-centred therapeutic horseback riding [88], surfing [89], and group exercise programs [86] have demonstrated an ability to reduce PTSD symptoms and improved social connectedness among ex-serving US veterans.…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Transition from military to civilian: Identity, social connectedness, and veteran wellbeing

Flack

Kite

2021

PLoS ONE

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Military identity and a sense of social connectedness may help explain differences in contemporary veteran wellbeing following transition from military to civilian life. However, it is unclear how these constructs interrelate. The current study quantitatively explored the role of social connectedness in the relationship between military identity and subjective wellbeing among contemporary ex-serving Australian Defence Force veterans. To facilitate analyses, data from 358 veterans were used to first explore the suitability of the factor structure of the Warrior Identity Scale. Subsequently, the potential moderating and mediating effects of social connectedness in the relationship between military identity and wellbeing were explored via path analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Warrior Identity Scale revealed support for the multidimensional construct of military identity, and a revised six-factor measurement model was found suitable for further path analysis. Consistent with past research, social connectedness positively related to quality of life and negatively related to psychological distress. There was no support for a moderation effect of social connectedness. However, results indicated military identity indirectly influenced wellbeing and distress via differential relationships with social connectedness. Specifically, private and public regard for the military and not feeling like an outsider positively related to social connectedness. In contrast, interdependence with other veterans, viewing the military as family, and the centrality of military identity negatively related to social connectedness. The results suggest nurturing the protective aspects of military identity and addressing inhibitory aspects of military identity may support a sense of social connectedness and wellbeing among ex-serving veterans.

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“… 6 These should include creative opportunities for community and connection among veterans 51 —for example, recreational gatherings or collaborative volunteer opportunities. 52 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Then COVID happened…”: Veterans’ Health, Wellbeing, and Engagement in Whole Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purcell

Sells

McGrath

et al. 2021

Glob Adv Health Med

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Background Little is known about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on US military veterans’ health, wellbeing, and care engagement. Healthcare systems like VA need additional information about the pandemic’s biopsychosocial impacts and how a Whole Health approach may help to address them. Objective To examine how the pandemic has affected veterans’ health, wellbeing, and engagement in the VA Whole Health System of Care. Method We conducted qualitative interviews with 40 veterans at a large multicampus VA healthcare system during the pandemic. Informed by a Whole Health approach, interviews used open-ended questions to holistically explore pandemic impacts on mental and physical health, healthcare access and engagement, social support, coping strategies, and use of VA healthcare and wellness services. Interviews were conducted by telephone, audio-recorded, and analyzed using a matrix-based technique. Interviews were supplemented by an original survey assessing pandemic impacts; descriptive frequencies were calculated to describe and characterize the interviewed sample. Interview Results Nearly, all participating veterans described significant pandemic impacts on their wellbeing, especially loneliness and sorrow stemming from isolation and disruptions to ordinary routines. These emotional impacts—sometimes combined with new constraints on care access and personal mobility—disrupted veterans’ health plans and sometimes deterred engagement in both routine and wellness care. Veterans already struggling with chronic mental and physical health conditions and those who experienced transitions or losses during the pandemic described the most severe impacts on their wellbeing. Virtual VA wellness services, especially health coaching and mind-body wellness groups, were a key source of support and connection for those who engaged in them. Conclusion We discuss the implications of our findings for care systems attempting to implement a Whole Health System of Care, including how they can address postpandemic barriers to engagement in healthcare and wellness programs, and how wellness programs can be leveraged to support those most at risk after the COVID-19 pandemic and in future crises.

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Veteran Coffee Socials: A Community-Building Strategy for Enhancing Community Reintegration of Veterans

Cited by 26 publications

References 39 publications

“It's like a Brotherhood”: Thematic analysis of veterans’ identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes

“It's like a Brotherhood”: Thematic analysis of veterans’ identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes

Transition from military to civilian: Identity, social connectedness, and veteran wellbeing

“Then COVID happened…”: Veterans’ Health, Wellbeing, and Engagement in Whole Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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