Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tronda Douglas

Abstract

This quantitative study compares the possible relationship between ambiguous loss and the stress level of caregivers of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans who served in combat. Injured servicemembers need caregivers to assist them in caring for their physical and mental health needs. This study examined whether there is a relationship between the perceived ambiguous loss among caregivers of OEF injured veterans and the stress level experienced by caregivers. The theoretical framework for this study is the ambiguous loss theory. The methodology used to test the hypothesis is a quantitative correlational design to compare ambiguous loss variables amongst caregivers of injured OEF veterans. The independent variable is the ambiguous loss of sense of physical presence but the psychological absence. The dependent variable is stress. The control variable is the perceived stress level of caregivers of OEF-injured veterans. The hypothesis was tested using the linear regression test. Stress is increased due to caregivers’ perception of ambiguous loss resulting from the injured veterans’ continued physical presence, but the psychological absence was substantiated. The Pearson Correlation test displayed a correlation between ambiguous loss and stress. This study contributes to understanding caregivers, military/veteran caregivers, and veterans’ stress and coping. Positive social change can be affected through resiliency skill-based resources for caregivers.

Download

Share

 
COinS