https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Matteson2024

Matteson, A. L., & Hardiman, E. R. (2024). Women veterans’ definitions of peer support: A qualitative description analysis. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0013

Using data from a larger evaluation study, this qualitative study explored how Veteran women defined peer support. 25 Veteran women who were involved with a peer support program, either as staff or participants, were interviewed to discuss their perceptions of peer support. Themes were identified using a qualitative description approach. Participants viewed successful peer support as rooted in shared military experiences, providing a nonjudgmental community, and being a non-stigmatized source of support. Although men were seen as possible sources of support, support from other women was especially valued for disclosure.

https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0013

Veterans
Mental health
Other

Multiple branches

Veteran

Veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)

Qualitative Study
Cross-Sectional Study
Secondary Analysis

Matteson, Amanda L., Hardiman, Eric R.

This study examines peer support among women who served in the U.S. military. Women Veterans reported peer support to be helpful for mental health and well-being by meeting social, emotional, and concrete needs. Participants found peer support to be acceptable, non-clinical, and non-stigmatizing. Critical elements of peer support included a safe environment, someone to listen to and validate them, and the shared experience of serving as women in the military. Peer support was particularly helpful for discussing sexism, sexual assault, and trauma. Mental health providers should understand the importance of peer support for women Veterans and how it is a distinct and complementary service to clinical treatment. Peer support programs can help ensure women Veterans’ needs are considered in service delivery. Introduction: Women are the fastest-growing subpopulation of U.S. military Veterans, yet their voices have rarely been used to explore peer support among Veterans. This study defines Veteran peer support from the perspective of women Veterans and aims to increase providers’ awareness of the value of peer support for improving Veteran mental health. Methods: Data were drawn from a multi-site evaluation of Veteran peer programs. Transcripts from semi-structured interviews with women Veterans (N = 25) were selected and analyzed. Guided by a qualitative description approach, the researchers used in vivo coding to capture common descriptive language used by the Veterans. Themes were drawn by the primary researcher and audited by a second researcher to increase the findings’ trustworthiness. Results: Women Veterans described peer support as a relationship between Veterans based on shared military experience, an understanding of military culture, and similar life challenges. Emerging themes regarding peer support included viewing peers as genuine, trustworthy friends, empathizing over shared struggles, cultivating a safe, non-judgmental, egalitarian space to discuss sensitive topics, using a non-stigmatizing, non-clinical approach, and being a source of fun and social connection. Discussion: Participants provided evidence that peer support is a meaningful, authentic, and accessible means of exchanging emotional and concrete assistance for women Veterans. Mental health providers and program developers working with women Veterans need to understand the importance of peer support in complementing therapy and how it can be essential for women Veterans to discuss sensitive topics such as sexual assault or harassment they experienced in the military.

Article
REACH Publication

Women Veterans, peer support, well-being

https://jmvfh.utpjournals.press/doi/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0013

Research Summary

  May 2024