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Theses/Dissertations

2023

Veterans

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Institution
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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Moral Injury, Identity Dissonance, And Reintegration: A Compendium Of Reintegration And Survey Of United States Military Veterans, Thomas Hodges Dec 2023

Moral Injury, Identity Dissonance, And Reintegration: A Compendium Of Reintegration And Survey Of United States Military Veterans, Thomas Hodges

Doctor of International Conflict Management Dissertations

How do military moral injuries affect reintegration? All service members leave the military eventually, but reintegration can be challenging, bringing changes in career, family life, and friendships, potentially prompting a loss of purpose, drive, and connection. Service members may also struggle with a crisis of identity upon separating from the military, feeling their military identity is incompatible with civilian life. While these difficulties are common for service members in reintegration, they may be worsened by moral injury, the adverse biological, social, psychological, and spiritual effects of experiencing an event that deeply offends a person’s sense of right and wrong. People …


Investigating The Differences Between Neuropsychological And Physiological Markers In A Ptsd-Only Group Among Vietnam Veterans, Ashtan Madsen Sep 2023

Investigating The Differences Between Neuropsychological And Physiological Markers In A Ptsd-Only Group Among Vietnam Veterans, Ashtan Madsen

Dissertations

Individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have demonstrated extinction-resistant symptoms and long-lasting impacts on the brain’s functional activity (Krystal et al., 2017; Stark et al., 2015). PTSD illustrates a strong relationship with cognitive functioning, and research has found lower parietal and hippocampal volume and deterioration in brain function and structure, resulting in executive dysfunction, attentional deficits, mood dysregulation, and memory difficulties (Krystal et al., 2017; Stark et al., 2015; Weiner et al. 2017). Sleep has been investigated to better understand its contribution to AD pathologies as well as its impact on PTSD treatment and prognosis. Although sleep’s functions are …


Examining Access To Decent Work Among Women Veterans: A Psychology Of Working Theory Perspective, Rebecca C. Gaines Aug 2023

Examining Access To Decent Work Among Women Veterans: A Psychology Of Working Theory Perspective, Rebecca C. Gaines

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated predictors of decent work among a sample of women Veterans (N = 354), grounded in the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). A structural equation model demonstrated that women Veterans’ experiences of marginalization, economic constraints, work volition, and career adaptability all directly predicted their ability to secure decent work, and economic constraints and marginalization experiences indirectly predicted decent work via work volition. Proactive personality was additionally examined as a moderator variable and did not significantly moderate any model paths; however, it was found to be a unique predictor of decent work and work volition, as well …


Act And Veterans: A Multiple Baseline Study Using Act To Treat Anxiety Disorders In U.S. Military Veterans, Jeremiah E. Fruge Aug 2023

Act And Veterans: A Multiple Baseline Study Using Act To Treat Anxiety Disorders In U.S. Military Veterans, Jeremiah E. Fruge

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

There are 18 million Americans, roughly 7% of the population, who are Veterans. In contrast with the general population, Veterans have a high likelihood of exposure to psychological harm during their military service. For example, studies indicate Veterans are diagnosed with anxiety disorders in some cases four times higher than in the general population, though few studies examine treatment. Military culture is an additional factor which is important to account for when treating Veterans. For example, within the military an emphasis is placed on values and committed action which may mean this population will benefit more from certain therapies than …


Long-Term Outcomes Of Equine-Assisted Therapy For Veterans With Ptsd., Carleigh Emanuel Jul 2023

Long-Term Outcomes Of Equine-Assisted Therapy For Veterans With Ptsd., Carleigh Emanuel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a group program for veterans with PTSD who had completed the equine-assisted therapy program at Horses & Heroes in Leavenworth, KS. The group program was designed to promote long-term outcomes and generalization of skills after completion of the initial program. The group program utilized meaningful activity, opportunity for social engagement with like-minded peers, further development of the horse-human bond, and consistent exposure to the therapeutic environment of being outside and around horses. Participants reported an overall improvement in their satisfaction with social engagement and well-being after participation in group sessions. This program …


Perceptions Of The Veterans Administration And Mental Health Treatment Seeking Intentions Among Veterans, Hilary Hines Jun 2023

Perceptions Of The Veterans Administration And Mental Health Treatment Seeking Intentions Among Veterans, Hilary Hines

Dissertations

Among the veteran population there is a trend of underutilizing mental health services despite the higher number of veterans with mental health diagnoses. Though previous research has examined barriers to mental health care such as stigma and a warrior mentality, there may be additional barriers that emanate from the system to which veterans are entitled and encouraged to use, the Veterans Administration (VA). This study examined the mediational relationships among perceptions of the VA, attitudes about seeking mental health treatment at the VA, and intentions to seek mental health treatment at the VA among veterans. Data from 96 veterans were …


Sociocultural Predictors Of White Veterans’ Attitudes Towards Va Mental Health Care, Elyssa Christine Berney Jan 2023

Sociocultural Predictors Of White Veterans’ Attitudes Towards Va Mental Health Care, Elyssa Christine Berney

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

U.S. Veterans are less likely to seek help than their civilian counterparts despite having higher levels of self-reported distress, in part due to comparatively poorer attitudes towards seeking mental health treatment. While some aspects of cultural socialization (e.g., gender role expectations, certain types of stigma) have been established to influence Veterans’ attitudes towards mental health treatment, other aspects of health care access (e.g., trust in health care institutions or individual providers) may benefit from increased focus. Additionally, one aspect of cultural socialization that is understudied in white Veterans is that of racial-cultural socialization (i.e., whiteness). Much of the research into …


Researching Medical Treatment Assessments From United States Military Veterans Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorder, And Determining Interest In The Matrix Model Of Treatment For Potential Application In Their Treatment Programs, Christopher R. Strunk Jan 2023

Researching Medical Treatment Assessments From United States Military Veterans Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorder, And Determining Interest In The Matrix Model Of Treatment For Potential Application In Their Treatment Programs, Christopher R. Strunk

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this research study is to learn the beliefs and thoughts on the current state of medical treatment provided to United States (US) military Veterans diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), and gauge Veterans’ levels of interest and support in the potential application of the Matrix Model of Treatment (MMT) in their healthcare programs. This proposal focused on verifying the Veterans’ interest in the MMT model since the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) does not currently implement this full-spectrum, 16-week treatment system. It is believed interest will be strong enough to merit supporting its consideration with approving …


Examining The Relationship Of Social Inclusion On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Us Post-9/11 Veterans, Sheree' L. Peters Jan 2023

Examining The Relationship Of Social Inclusion On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Us Post-9/11 Veterans, Sheree' L. Peters

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many American veterans return to the civilian workforce and report having problems reintegrating into society, as well as finding their role in the new corporate social realms. Over 80% leave their civilian jobs within the first two years of employment, and over 70% report experiencing feelings of loneliness. Recently, the World Health Organization reported that the lack of perceived social inclusion also has a significant economic impact on both individuals and societies. A quantitative, nonexperimental methodology was used to examine the moderating relationship of social inclusion on the relationship between job employee turnover intentions of post-9/11 enlisted veterans. This study …


Ambiguous Loss Feelings Amongst Caregivers Of Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, Stephanie T. Spann Jan 2023

Ambiguous Loss Feelings Amongst Caregivers Of Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, Stephanie T. Spann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study compares the possible relationship between ambiguous loss and the stress level of caregivers of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans who served in combat. Injured servicemembers need caregivers to assist them in caring for their physical and mental health needs. This study examined whether there is a relationship between the perceived ambiguous loss among caregivers of OEF injured veterans and the stress level experienced by caregivers. The theoretical framework for this study is the ambiguous loss theory. The methodology used to test the hypothesis is a quantitative correlational design to compare ambiguous loss variables amongst caregivers of injured …


Single-Term Soldiers’ Job Satisfaction And Job Meaningfulness In Second Careers, Bethanie Hiramoto Jan 2023

Single-Term Soldiers’ Job Satisfaction And Job Meaningfulness In Second Careers, Bethanie Hiramoto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Past researchers have informed future researchers of the challenges soldiers experience when transitioning to civilian life and the civilian workplace. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of six single-term soldiers and their levels of job satisfaction through job meaningfulness in their second careers. Data for this study was collected using semi-structured interviews and interview protocols. The theoretical framework combined Herzberg’s two-factor theory, McClelland’s needs theory, and Organizational Socialization. The entire study was framed through this framework, and collected data were analyzed. The findings of this study indicated that job meaningfulness occurred while in their single term in …


Examining The Relationship Of Social Inclusion On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Us Post-9/11 Veterans, Sheree' L. Peters Jan 2023

Examining The Relationship Of Social Inclusion On Job Satisfaction And Turnover Intentions Of Us Post-9/11 Veterans, Sheree' L. Peters

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many American veterans return to the civilian workforce and report having problems reintegrating into society, as well as finding their role in the new corporate social realms. Over 80% leave their civilian jobs within the first two years of employment, and over 70% report experiencing feelings of loneliness. Recently, the World Health Organization reported that the lack of perceived social inclusion also has a significant economic impact on both individuals and societies. A quantitative, nonexperimental methodology was used to examine the moderating relationship of social inclusion on the relationship between job employee turnover intentions of post-9/11 enlisted veterans. This study …


Single-Term Soldiers’ Job Satisfaction And Job Meaningfulness In Second Careers, Bethanie Hiramoto Jan 2023

Single-Term Soldiers’ Job Satisfaction And Job Meaningfulness In Second Careers, Bethanie Hiramoto

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Past researchers have informed future researchers of the challenges soldiers experience when transitioning to civilian life and the civilian workplace. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of six single-term soldiers and their levels of job satisfaction through job meaningfulness in their second careers. Data for this study was collected using semi-structured interviews and interview protocols. The theoretical framework combined Herzberg’s two-factor theory, McClelland’s needs theory, and Organizational Socialization. The entire study was framed through this framework, and collected data were analyzed. The findings of this study indicated that job meaningfulness occurred while in their single term in …


First Responder And Veteran Yoga For Posttraumatic Stress, Coping, And Anxiety, Nicole M. Mckenna Jan 2023

First Responder And Veteran Yoga For Posttraumatic Stress, Coping, And Anxiety, Nicole M. Mckenna

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Constant exposures to trauma and violence often impact the wellbeing of veterans and first responders. Related heavy tolls have created an urgent need for wellness programs and coping strategies. This study utilized organismic valuing process theory as a lens to explore two research questions with a purpose to describe participants’ lived experiences and related perceptions of effectiveness. Specifically, the research was an exploration of (a) how first responders and veterans using yoga for posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and coping described their lived experiences with the intervention and (b) how first responders and veterans perceived the effectiveness of yoga for symptom improvement, …


The Effect Of Community Health Linkages On Suicide Rates In Veterans, Erica Anderson Jan 2023

The Effect Of Community Health Linkages On Suicide Rates In Veterans, Erica Anderson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide risk is a public health issue. It is a complex and poorly understood mental health and societal threat. This study examined veteran suicide rates and their relationship to family and social support, as measured by the social association rate, mental health funding per capita, and the lethality of the method rate. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide and the social-ecological model are the theoretical frameworks that guided the study. Both theories emphasize the complexity surrounding suicide at the state level as it is related to the individual, social, environmental, and political landscape related to veteran suicide. The quantitative bivariate correlation …