Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jane Coddington

Abstract

AbstractWhen an individual feels excluded from a group that they seek to be a part of, they experience negative physiological and psychological outcomes. The innate human need to be socially accepted is identified and described in elements of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and McClelland’s human motivation theory. Social acceptance has also been shown to play an integral role in areas of communication, organizational commitment, performance, and team cohesiveness. However, it is not known if social acceptance directly impacts a veteran’s ability and desire to maintain civilian employment after transitioning from active-duty service. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand veterans’ experiences with social acceptance after retiring from the military and beginning civilian employment. Data were gathered through semi structured interviews with 12 participants who had retired from the military and secured civilian employment within the past 12 months. Results from this study revealed that when an individual’s experience with being socially accepted is positive, their attitude is positive, and they feel good about the organization they are part of. Additionally, three themes emerged from the data that supported this revelation: value, belonging, and contribution. The results of this study can lead to positive social change through being used to provide a framework for helping organizations better understand social acceptance to effectively leverage the experience, skills, and training that military veterans bring to their roles, which in turn can increase levels of engagement, retention, and productivity.

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