Date of Conferral

8-19-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Dorothy Seabrook

Abstract

The number of women veterans serving in the military is growing. This qualitative study explored women veterans' perspectives and experiences with gender-specific online social support services, and how that contributes to their social identity after military service. A generic qualitative design was used, and data were collected through semistructured interviews for 10 women veterans who had transitioned out of the military within the last 5 years. Five themes emerged: (a) big picture: connecting with other women veterans was helpful; (b) veteran forums were used for federal or state benefits, but women used gender-specific forums for questions specific to women's issues; (c) how women veterans use the groups matters; (d) women veterans do not necessarily want to share their own stories but want to help others; and (e) identity as a woman veteran is important because women veterans felt more included in women-only groups. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis process. The results highlighted that women veterans use online forums for social support, asking for and sharing information about resources, assisting with federal or state benefits, and possibly contributing to their identity. Women veterans chose gender-specific forums for women-specific questions, offered mentorship, and identified that it helped them to feel safe when communicating with other women veterans. The results also show that not all women veterans wanted to share their private information or story online, even though they were part of the online forums and would assist others. This research may promote social change by increasing awareness of the unique needs of women veterans as they transition out of the military.

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