Military and Veterans Studies Commons^™

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Equine-Assisted Therapy With Veterans, Collin Cooper, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott, Karen Park

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a treatment that incorporates activities with a horse and the equine environment to reach rehabilitative goals specific to the client's needs and the medical professional's standards of practice (Meregillano, 2004; Path Int, 2021). There are many methods of using a horse in treatment. Therapeutic riding is a component of EAT, as well as horsemanship, groundwork, horse care, and stable management. Hippotherapy is a healthcare professional (OT, PT, SLP) treatment tool that occupational therapists (OT) use the horse's movement to facilitate change (Meregillano, 2004). Some research has demonstrated veterans who work with horses show improvement in quality …

Defining A Role For Occupational Therapy In The Transition From The Military To Academia: A Scoping Review, Elizabeth Cifuentes, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

There is a paucity of literature on the role of OT for veterans in transition to school, and the literature that is available has not been systematically reviewed. This makes it difficult for OT practitioners to address the needs of veterans in transition from military service to school.

This scoping review was conducted to answer the question, “What is currently being done to address the transition of veterans from military service to academia and are within the scope of practice of occupational therapy?” An in-depth search of the literature was completed, and it was confirmed that there is no literature …

Identifying Relationships Between Upper Extremity Function And Army Combat Fitness Test Scores In The Reserve 'Officers' Training Corps Population, Lianne Marie Shroba

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The United States Army is implementing the Holistic Health and Fitness program (H2F), intending to transform the Army's culture of health and fitness. It aims to optimize soldier readiness by improving physical and non-physical performance, decreasing injury rates, and improving rehabilitation after injury. A part of that program includes replacing the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of six functional events that gauge combat readiness. There is already established literature regarding injury epidemiology as it relates to the previous APFT, but little published work on the ACFT …

Education On My Healthevet To Increase Access To Psychiatric Healthcare For Veterans, Roxann Hackbarth

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

Introduction: Access to mental health care can be challenging for many veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) developed the patient portal My Healthevet (MHV) to increase access to healthcare services. Despite this program, many veterans still do not take advantage of the portal. The goal of this literature review was to gain knowledge on benefits and barriers of using patient portals, identification of patients who use and do not use patient portals, and interventions to increase the use of patient portals.
Evidence Summary: The use of patient portals, including the VHA portal MHV, helps to increase interactions between clinicians and …

Supporting Resilience In Reserve Component Spouses During Deployment: The Impact Of Family Life Cycle Phase And Deployment History On Social Support Needs, Jennifer L. Ceminsky

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This exploratory study used a researcher developed survey to examine the relative value of instrumental, emotional, and informational support for Reserve Component spouses during deployment. Although all types of support were valued by nearly all study participants, significant differences were found between ratings of helpfulness for each type of support. Emotional support was the support type most valued by 73.1% of spouses in this study. Instrumental support was most valued by21.1%, and only 2.8% of spouses valued informational support most. Regression analyses were used to identify factors that were predictive of value placed on each type of social support. The …

From Military Service To Diakonia: A Training Program For Clergy Ministering To Veterans, Danielle Xanthos

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Many veterans opt to seek the support of clergy before mental health professionals. Most clergy, however, are unfamiliar with the nuances of the veteran culture and experience. Mental health professionals who specialize in working with the veteran population can collaborate with clergy to bridge this gap of care to mutually develop a better understanding of veteran culture and symptoms of mental health conditions common among the veteran population, and by equipping clergy with basic tools that promote psychological and spiritual wellbeing. Special consideration is given to the concept of moral injury and the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, illustrating …

The Effects Of Military Sexual Trauma And Depressive Symptoms On Reintegration, Rachel L. Davies

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Reintegration is a challenge for many veterans returning to civilian roles after military service. Difficulties range from an assortment of issues such as self-care to community participation. Military sexual trauma may be an experience that alters or changes veterans and result in difficulty in reintegration. Specifically, it was predicted that military sexual trauma would indirectly affect reintegration, via depressive symptoms. In addition, locus of control was predicted to play a role in how military sexual trauma impacts reintegration with external locus of control acting as a buffer. Participants were a cross-sectional community sample of both female veterans who reported having …

A Meta-Analysis Of Group Treatment Outcomes For Veterans With Substance Use Disorders, Robert “Tony” Dice

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Group therapy is commonly used in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Many studies exist related to the efficacy of group interventions for veterans with SUDs. A meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature addressing the use of group therapy, specifically psychoeducational groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) groups and support groups, in the treatment of SUDs with veterans was conducted. The following questions guided the research: What are viable treatment outcomes for psychoeducational, CBT, and support groups of veterans with SUDs? and What are the measures that capture outcomes related to psychoeducational, CBT, and support groups of veterans with …

Urban Warfare: Emerging Geopolitical Conundrum, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Urban warfare is as old as human history. It is becoming increasingly important in international political and military planning due to increasing global urbanization and the presence of megacities (urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million) in many global regions and being in areas of recent and potential military conflict. 2018 World Bank data notes that approximately 56% of the world's population lives in urban areas which is up from 34% in 1960. Many of these megacities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Manila are adjacent to oceanic waters and vulnerable to trade and supply …

The Role Of Social Work In Health Care For Veterans In The United States Of America (Praca Socjalna W Lecznictwie Weteranów Służby Wojskowej W Usa), Jaroslaw Richard Romaniuk

Faculty Scholarship

Clinical social work in the American system of health care and its specific features in the Veterans Affairs (VA) of veterans are described in this paper. VA hospitals are the largest employers of social work worldwide. Because health care for veterans is paid for from government funds, VA hospitals are subject to regulations developed on the basis of research into the system’s effectiveness and efficiency. Clinical social workers cooperate with physicians and nurses to comprise an integral part of the health care team. Social workers fulfill the usual tasks related to social well‑being but also act as health educators and …

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Climate Snapshot Poll - Report, Rosalinda Maury, Nicholas Armstrong, Brice M. Stone, Rachel Linsner, Linda Rougeau Euto

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Military Times and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University conduct recurring snapshot polls of the military and veteran community. The purpose of these polls is to provide timely insights on the social, economic, education, and policy views and concerns of military-affiliated individuals. As the world navigates the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis, IVMF remains committed to serving transitioning service members, veterans, and their family members. We are determined to stay informed of the evolving impacts, needs, and challenges experienced by this military-connected community. Therefore, in partnership with Military Times, the IVMF created and conducted a COVID-19 …

Ua94/6/1 Reflection, Janice Kampsen

Student/Alumni Personal Papers

Report regarding COVID-19 by Janice Kampsen for Military Science 490 class.

Ua94/6/1 Covid-19 Impacts, Shelby Howell

Student/Alumni Personal Papers

Report on the impact of COVID-19 by student Shelby Howell for Military Science 490 class.

Ua35/8 Reveille, Vol. 28, No. 1, Wku Veterans Upward Bound

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about WKU Veterans Upward Bound.

• COVID-19 Temporarily Closes Veterans Upward Bound
• Veternas Administration Partners with Treasury Department to Deliver Economic Impact Payments to Veternans & Survivors

Opioid Agonist Therapy During Hospitalization Within The Veterans Health Administration: A Pragmatic Retrospective Cohort Analysis, Kelsey C. Priest, Travis I. Lovejoy, Honora Englander, Sarah Shull, Dennis Mccarty

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background

Hospitalization of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) is increasing, yet little is known about opioid agonist therapy (OAT: methadone and buprenorphine) administration during admission.

Objective

Describe and examine patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with OAT receipt during hospitalization in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Participants

A total of 12,407 unique patients, ≥ 18 years old, with an OUD-related ICD-10 diagnosis within 12 months prior to or during index hospitalization in fiscal year 2017 from 109 VHA hospitals in the continental U.S.

Main Measure

OAT received during hospitalization.

Key Results

Few admissions received OAT (n = 1914; 15%) …

Symptom Severity, Self-Efficacy And Treatment-Seeking For Mental Health Among Us Iraq/Afghanistan Military Veterans, Mary Keeling, Nicholas Barr, Hazel Atuel, Carl A. Castro

Social Work Faculty Research

Military veterans have high rates of mental health problems, yet the majority do not seek treatment. Understanding treatment-seeking in this population is important. This study investigated if symptom severity and self-efficacy are associated with treatment-seeking among US Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. Survey data from 525 veterans meeting clinical criteria for PTSD and depression were included of which, 54.4% had sought treatment in the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that high symptom severity was associated with treatment seeking, whereas high self-efficacy was associated with a decreased likelihood to seek treatment. Self-efficacy could be an underlying mechanism of treatment seeking decisions.

Exploring The Effects Service Dogs Have On Veterans With Ptsd, Shelby E. Reeves

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness resulting from exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD vary, but those affected commonly experience nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and trouble sleeping; they may also avoid people or situations that trigger traumatic memories. It is estimated that PTSD affects about 10-30% of all United States veterans. Additionally, traditional treatment methods have an average dropout rate of 25% among military personnel. Inadequate PTSD symptom management may lead to depression, anxiety, suicidality, isolation, unstable relationships, and substance misuse. The purpose of this review is to examine the current research concerning the use of service …

Contextualizing Performance Of Coordinated Care Network Of Veteran Services In Virginia, Marina Saitgalina, Donta Council

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

Coordinated care network is an approach to human service delivery that is recognized to improve client outcomes at a reduced cost. However, general mixed findings on the effectiveness of coordinated care networks warrant research contextualization. This article seeks to discover factors influencing the performance of a coordinated care network delivering social services to veterans and their families. The study provides a contextual analysis of a coordinated care network launched in 2016 in southeastern Virginia for two samples of 1,512 and 375 veterans and their families. Results of the regression analyses indicate that initial progress has been made both in efficiency …

Domestic Military Operations And The Coronavirus Pandemic, Mark P. Nevitt

Faculty Articles

In response to the novel coronavirus crisis, we are witnessing one of the largest domestic military operations in American history. This article proceeds in three parts. Part I considers the emergency authorities invoked to address the coronavirus, including the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), National Emergencies Act (NEA), and Stafford Act. Part II deals with the laws, regulations, and policies governing the military’s role as a law enforcer— including restrictions on the military’s role to quell civilian disturbances. I also briefly discuss martial law, a rarely invoked but powerful authority held at the federal, state, and local levels. Part III …

Fight, Flight, Or Freezing? Investigating The Immobility Response In Military Veterans, Paige Elizabeth King

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

When the body is faced with threat to life or limb, the autonomic nervous system works to overcome the danger – by either fight, flight, or freezing. While immobility may not appear to be the most logical solution, theories exist that it allows for judgement of the situation and preparation for action. This study investigated the stress response that military veterans, with or without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), demonstrate when shown unpleasant images. Researchers wanted to determine the extent to which veterans would show freezing or immobile responses when under an unpleasant image condition. It was hypothesized that veterans who …

An Examination Of Social Connectedness On Ptsd And Freezing In A Student Military Population, Jessica Marie Ledwith

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the impact of social connectedness (SC) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a military college population, and their relation to physiological measures such as body sway, heart rate (HR), and heat rate variability (HRV). According to previous research, people with PTSD are more likely to exhibit a freezing response to affective images. In the present study, we explore the potential freezing response for military personnel at the levels of PTSD symptom groups and social connectedness. We also investigate the possible buffering effect social connectedness has on the outcome of PTSD and freezing. There was a total of …

Veterans Using Mindfulness Practice To Cope With Trauma & Operational Stress Injuries, T'Challa Azhar Stuckey

All Theses And Dissertations

Psychological distress due to military operations is impacting returning veterans mentally and physically. The purpose of exploring literature relating to veterans is to determine if mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are beneficial in managing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data generated by the research question “What are the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based interventions, if any, in managing the symptoms of PTSD among veterans?” were explored to determine the effectiveness of using mindfulness-based coping skills to manage symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive recollections, and avoidance. The studies that were analyzed reported on veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces …

From The Boots On The Ground: A Comparison Of The Attitudes And Beliefs Of Military Members And Mental Health Professionals Regarding The Moral Injury Construct, Karis L. Callaway

Dissertations

An increasing amount of research conducted in recent years indicates that, in addition to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, moral injury is a key concept to recognize when considering the deployment experiences of service members. Although related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which is a fear-based mental health diagnosis, moral injury is a distinct concept. It acknowledges the possible prolonged negative psychological, social, and spiritual consequences that may occur after experiences that challenge and transgress one’s deeply held moral beliefs. Events such as perpetration of harm, failing to protect or prevent harm, and witnessing or learning about distressing acts committed by influential others …

Ua35/8 Reveille, Vol. 27, No. 1, Wku Veterans Upward Bound

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about WKU Veterans Upward Bound.

• Veterans Administration Community Suicide-Prevention Challenge
• RallyPoint
• PsychArmor Institute
• Explore VA.gov to Learn About Your Benefits
• Stone, Davy. The Director's Desk - Michelle Shutt

G.I. Jane Fem Etran Goes Corporate: An Exploration Of Post-9/11 Female Combat Veterans Transitioning To A Civilian Career, Tumona Austin

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this multiple-case study was to explore the experiences of post- 9/11 female combat veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers, using the Schlossberg transition model factors of situation, self, social support, and strategies.

Methodology: This multiple-case study identified and interviewed post-9/11 female combat veterans transitioning from active-duty to civilian career. Respondents were purposively chosen based on specific criteria and expert panel recommendations.

Findings: Examination of case-study interview data and artifacts from the 3 post-9/11 female combat veterans indicated nine major findings:

1. The factor of situation clearly outweighed the other Schlossberg factors in impact.

2. …

A Therapeutic Pastoral Counseling Program Designed To Reveal And Treat Combat Events Of Homeless Veterans In Wake County, North Carolina, Earnest Lee Shannon Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project researched homelessness among male veterans in Wake County, North Carolina to determine if they experienced a combat event that caused spiritual injury caused by moral injury and shame, which contributed to their homelessness. Joshua’s Conquest, the spiritual formation treatment program is used to treat the spiritual injury. The need for this program is explicated, along with the development of Joshua’s Conquest, and how it will treat this odious event, so the homeless male veteran will be able to obtain housing normalcy. Personally, this thesis project was fueled by experiences with homelessness and limited service in the military. …

Mental Health Problems Of The Youngest Generation Of American Veterans (Problemy Zdrowia Psychicznego Najmłodszego Pokolenia Weteranów Amerykańskich), Jaroslaw Richard Romaniuk

Faculty Scholarship

Wartime activities determine the threats to a soldier’s life and health. To prepare soldiers for a new forms of warfare, one should know the challenges the soldier faces in the midst of battle and after returning home. From 2001 to 2015, 1.2 million American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan used the health care services of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. An analysis of the resulting medical interventions makes possible a long term evaluation of the effects of war, some of which appear only after the soldier returns to civilian life. This study analyzes the research on the mental health …

Honoring Veterans Means Funding Suicide Prevention, Brendan Cushing-Daniels, Christopher R. Fee

Economics Faculty Publications

Many Americans may not know that it was Dwight D. Eisenhower who in 1954 issued the official proclamation celebrating the service of all veterans by designating Nov. 11, formerly known as Armistice Day, in honor of our vets. Eisenhower, of course, was supreme commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II and commander in chief as the 34th president of the United States.

In Ike’s words, “on that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, …

Ptsd In U.S. Veterans: The Role Of Social Connectedness, Combat Experiences And Discharge, Sara Kintzle, Nicholas Barr, Gisele Corletto, Carl A. Castro

Social Work Faculty Research

Service members who transition out of the military often face substantial challenges during their transition to civilian life. Leaving military service requires establishing a new community as well as sense of connectedness to that community. Little is known about how social connectedness may be related to other prominent transition outcomes, particularly symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to explore the role of social connectedness in the development of PTSD, as well as its relationship to the known risk factors of combat exposure and discharge status. Data used were drawn from a needs assessment survey …

Exploration Of Rape Myths Among Former Military Professionals, Gabrielle Caldara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual violence is sometimes considered a taboo topic for discussion, but it gained widespread attention in the media in late 2017 due to the social movements addressing the sexual assault of women. However, sexual violence perpetrated against men lacks publicity in America, and highlights a similar situation in the Armed Forces. A discussion of sexually violent acts committed against men is sometimes impeded by cultural norms. This discrepancy associated with civilian and military communities inspired this exploratory study.

A convenience sample of 520 former American military professionals completed an anonymous online survey to describe their attitudes and beliefs regarding rape …