Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

Over the past 2 decades, women’s roles in the United States military have changed which has increased their risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2016, all military occupational specialty were opened to women which allowed women to fight and be exposed to a combat environment. As more female veterans are returning home and reintegrating into their communities, they are seeking care for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and combat exposure. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the female veterans’ perception of the utilization of the Veterans Health Administration when seeking care for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and combat exposure. This study was guided by feminist theory which asserts that women have the same rights has men, but inequality still exists as was the case when women veterans sought health care for mental health concerns within the Veterans Health Administration. The research question focused on the female veterans’ perception on their use of the Veterans Health Administration. Utilizing in-depth semi structured interviews conducted using video conferencing, data were collected from 14 female veterans. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged: (a) negative experiences, (b) emotional experiences, and (c) ambivalent attitude. These three themes combing to form the overall finding that female veterans were dissatisfied with care for the issues of PTSD and combat exposure. The findings could result in positive social change when used to advocate for enhanced attention to mental well-being and efficient and effective services within the Veterans Administration to address mental health.

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