Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Henry Cellini

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major mental health concern for veterans transitioning to civilian life. This qualitative phenomenological research study focused on interviewing 20 former military service members diagnosed with PTSD to understand their experiences related to online video conferencing therapy. The theoretical foundation of this study was guided by Beck’s cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model. The open-ended research questions examined veterans diagnosed with PTSD perceptions, attitudes, and opinions related to online video conferencing therapy, prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi structured interview questions and a demographic questionnaire was used to collect data from participants who had no current relationship with National Guard, reserve, or active-duty military service. NVivo software was used to develop themes regarding the participant’s lived experiences related to PTSD and online video conferencing therapy such as: (a) experiences suffering from PTSD, (b) Covid-19’s impact on finding mental health treatment, (c) experiences and benefits using online video conferencing therapy, (d) challenges with online video conferencing therapy, and (e) ways that online video conferencing therapy improved PTSD. The findings revealed that online video conferencing therapy improved accessibility to mental health treatment for veterans diagnosed with PTSD who live in rural areas that lack mental health providers giving them therapeutic options such as behavioral strategies, social support, counseling, and medication management, prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results may provide information for veterans diagnosed with PTSD that may improve their transition to civilian life.

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