Collective stories and well-being: using a dialogical narrative approach to understand peer relationships among combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder

Journal of Health Psychology
Nick CaddickBrett Smith

Abstract

Using a dialogical narrative approach, this original research explored how combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder made sense of peer relationships with other veterans and what effects these relationships had on their well-being. Interviews and participant observations were conducted with 15 male combat veterans (aged 27-60 years) and one member of the civilian emergency services, the majority of whom were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic exposure in a range of armed conflicts. All participants were part of a surfing charity for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Data were rigorously analysed using a dialogical narrative analysis (DNA). Findings revealed the collective story that veterans used to make sense of peer relationships within the group. This collective story worked for the veterans to shape their experiences of well-being by fostering camaraderie, stimulating deeper connections and countering the negative effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Potential therapeutic effects of the collective story were also identified. This article extends previous knowledge on combat veterans and social relationships and advances the field of narrative health ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 13, 2015·Journal of Health Psychology·Anneke M SoolsGerben J Westerhof
Sep 11, 2018·Qualitative Health Research·Donna L SchumanNatalie Pope
Jun 21, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Jamie MarshallAilsa Niven
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Dec 4, 2020·Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly : APAQ·Celina H Shirazipour, Amy E Latimer-Cheung
Jan 14, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Javier MonforteJosé Devís-Devís

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