A Participatory Exploration of Woman Veterans' Peer Support: An Analysis Guided by Ricoeur's Philosophy

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study sought to understand the experience of women veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.

Design

A community-based research design and Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology guided the philosophical framework.

Methods

Seventeen women veterans were recruited from a non-profit organisation. Data was collected in six virtual focus groups using Zoom in the fall of 2022 using dialogical engagement. Analysis of the data was done using hermeneutic phenomenology. Five participants in the research validated the data and recommended changes to their peer-to-peer support group.

Results

The veterans described their environment as service to confusion and from pride to embodied shame. The phenomenology of this experience was screaming in silence, harsh reality, creating a village, and taking the high road. Lists of deployment and military sexual trauma triggers were created.

Conclusion

There are many obstacles for women transitioning from military to civilian life. Some veterans suffer more than others. For those who are challenged by living in civilian life, this study strongly emphasised that veterans are often their own best source of support. Peer-to-peer support groups for women veterans were highly encouraged as a vital part of their well-being.

Implications

The data obtained in this study provided us with rich information for nursing practice, including an understanding of the way of being of women veterans, suicide, military sexual trauma, and homelessness assessment, significant community resources, the significance of having peer-to-peer support groups, and the policies and research needed.

Reporting Method

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.