Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look

Daniella Hauser; Christine McConnell; Katie Lawson; Casey Smithey; Isabelle Harrison; Robyn Oakley; Allison Yarborough; Stacy Kobe

doi:10.29333/ajqr/16535

Daniella Hauser ¹ ^* , Christine McConnell ², Katie Lawson ³, Casey Smithey ³, Isabelle Harrison ³, Robyn Oakley ³, Allison Yarborough ³, Stacy Kobe ³

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, pp. 61-81

https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

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Abstract

The majority of examined literature generalizes veteran experiences after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, identifying a research gap specific to veterans’ experiences reintegrating into their communities and daily lives. There is a lack of evidence pertaining to occupational therapy service provision in veteran community reintegration. Colaizzi’s phenomenological qualitative approach was used to analyze data from semi-structured interviews to define themes from seven participants. Convenience and network sampling were used to recruit participants until reaching saturation. Eight themes were identified related to the participants’ experiences reintegrating into their communities post-discharge. Each veteran had a unique reintegration process dependent upon their experiences during active service; sustained physical or mental health conditions from service; environmental and social support; and plans after discharge. The participants highlighted the challenges and supports faced post-discharge from active duty. The results of this study identified support systems, utilization of VA services, and experiences with mental health impacting transition to civilian life. Further research is needed to enhance services offered to veterans post-discharge, including the expansion of occupational therapy services with this population.

Keywords: Veteran, community reintegration, mental health, social support

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Citation

Hauser, D., McConnell, C., Lawson, K., Smithey, C., Harrison, I., Oakley, R., . . . Kobe, S. (2025). Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 9(3), 61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

Hauser, D., McConnell, C., Lawson, K., Smithey, C., Harrison, I., Oakley, R., . . . Kobe, S. (2025). Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 9(3), pp. 61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

Hauser D, McConnell C, Lawson K, et al. Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2025;9(3), 61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

Hauser, Daniella, Christine McConnell, Katie Lawson, Casey Smithey, Isabelle Harrison, Robyn Oakley, Allison Yarborough, and Stacy Kobe. "Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2025 9 no. 3 (2025): 61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

Hauser, Daniella et al. "Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 9, no. 3, 2025, pp. 61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535

Hauser D, McConnell C, Lawson K, Smithey C, Harrison I, Oakley R, et al. Community Reintegration of Veterans After Discharge: A Qualitative Look. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2025;9(3):61-81. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/16535