Abstract
Background: Veteran help-seeking (HS) literature and systematic reviews often use/include mixed populations (e.g. serving personnel, veterans, civilians). Research is also typically quantitative. Whilst it is understood why these aproaches are taken these two tendencies are problematic. Veterans-specific barriers and enablers may be unique and it is difficult to understand the HS process through a quantitative methodology. Systemically reviewing qualitative studies which have focused purely on veteran HS studies would aid our understanding.
Methods: Ten databases were searched. Search terms linked to: veterans, mental health, alcohol, HS, qualitative. Data were analysed thematically.
Results: The initial search resulted in 953 articles; six were reviewed. Four main themes were identified: ‘Military culture – culturised norms’, ‘severity of the problem’, ‘the System’ and ‘relationships and support’. Barriers and enablers exist at individual and group levels. Collectively, themes indicated that HS is a journey, however, it needs to be noted that HS for vetearns is not necessarily a linear process. Some methodological aspects were reported sufficiently (data collection, themes, quotes), however, no study justified taking a specific qualitative approach, or describe analysis taken. Other issues included participant selection, researcher input and ethical considerations.
Conclusions: Veteran HS is a process, impacted by individual and group-level factors, that changes over time. The HS process can be explored qualitatively, however, research rigor and reporting require improvement.
Methods: Ten databases were searched. Search terms linked to: veterans, mental health, alcohol, HS, qualitative. Data were analysed thematically.
Results: The initial search resulted in 953 articles; six were reviewed. Four main themes were identified: ‘Military culture – culturised norms’, ‘severity of the problem’, ‘the System’ and ‘relationships and support’. Barriers and enablers exist at individual and group levels. Collectively, themes indicated that HS is a journey, however, it needs to be noted that HS for vetearns is not necessarily a linear process. Some methodological aspects were reported sufficiently (data collection, themes, quotes), however, no study justified taking a specific qualitative approach, or describe analysis taken. Other issues included participant selection, researcher input and ethical considerations.
Conclusions: Veteran HS is a process, impacted by individual and group-level factors, that changes over time. The HS process can be explored qualitatively, however, research rigor and reporting require improvement.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 01 Oct 2020 |
Event | Society for the Study of Addiction : Annual Event - Virtual Duration: 05 Nov 2020 → 06 Nov 2020 https://www.addiction-ssa.org/annual-conference/annual-conference-2020/ |
Conference
Conference | Society for the Study of Addiction |
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Period | 05/11/2020 → 06/11/2020 |
Internet address |
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The relationship between trauma, mental health, alcohol and help-seeking, for military veterans residing in Northern Ireland
Hitch, C. (Author), Armour, C. (Supervisor) & Toner, P. (Supervisor), Dec 2022Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy