Military Acculturation and Readjustment to the Civilian Context

• Published in: Psychological trauma 2021-09, Vol.13 (6), p.611-620
• Main Authors: McCaslin, Shannon E., Becket-Davenport, Colleen, Dinh, Julie V., Lasher, Brooke, Kim, Minsu, Choucroun, Gerard, Herbst, Ellen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acculturation; Adjustment; Civilians; Communication; Ethnic Values; Female; Human; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Military Personnel - psychology; Military Training; Military Veterans; Qualitative Research; Veterans - psychology; Well Being
• ISSN: 1942-9681; 1942-969X
• DOI: 10.1037/tra0000999

Objective: Attitudes and beliefs related to immersion in military culture can affect postseparation transition to the civilian setting. The etiology and complexity of these reactions are often overlooked by mental health providers, which can result in negative consequences for treatment. This qualitative study examined veterans' perceptions of military culture and the impact of military service on veterans' values, beliefs, and behaviors. The goal of this research was to identify aspects of military culture that are important for health care providers to consider as they care for veterans and to inform culturally sensitive mental health care for veterans. Method: Fifty-two military veterans completed a self-report survey and participated in semistructured focus groups. Results: Participants reported diverse military experiences, and many endorsed a high level of continuing identification with aspects of military culture. Seven broad themes related to military culture emerged from qualitative analyses: (a) military values, beliefs, and behaviors; (b) relationships; (c) occupational habits and practices; (d) acquired skills; (e) communication; (f) affiliation; and (g) psychological health and well-being. Conclusion: This thematic analysis elucidated strategies to improve mental health services for veterans, using a nuanced model that encourages providers to better distinguish aspects of cultural transition from psychopathology. Results underscored the importance of training mental health providers to ensure sensitivity to military culture. Clinical Impact Statement The present study examined veterans' perspectives of military culture and the role of military culture identification following military service. Despite varied military experiences and levels of exposure to combat, results suggest a number of aspects of military culture that present across veteran groups. Consideration of continued identification with military culture, in addition to assessment of the potential traumatic or stressful events experienced during military service, is critical to ensuring a comprehensive and valid clinical assessment. These findings highlight the importance of training in aspects of military culture for clinicians providing behavioral health care services to veterans.