Ex-military personnel's experiences of loneliness and social isolation from discharge, through transition, to the present day.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the unique factors of loneliness and social isolation within the ex-military population from discharge, through transition, to the present day.

Design

A qualitative, Phenomenological approach was adopted.

Methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 participants who had all served in the British Armed Forces and represented all three military services (Royal Navy; Army; Royal Air Force). Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Three themes were generated-a sense of loss; difficulty in connecting in civilian life; and seeking out familiarity. The findings of this study were examined through the lenses of the Social Needs Approach and the Cognitive Discrepancy Model.

Concl

SUBMITTER: Guthrie-Gower S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9170086 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature