Date of Project

4-28-2017

Document Type

Honors Thesis

School Name

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Major Advisor

Dr. Pam Cartor

Second Advisor

Dr. Christy Wolfe

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Brown

Abstract

Many researchers have analyzed the various adversities that women servicemembers/veterans face in the military, upon reintegration into society, and upon transition into a university setting. These researchers suggest that women veterans experience an identity crisis throughout those three stages of their military career and future plans (Baechtold & DeSawal, 2009; Heineman, 2016; Women Warriors, 2011). What the research lacks is a more in-depth analysis of the women’s experiences and a look into how prevalent identity crises are among female veterans. The present study analyzed these ideas. Student women veterans (N = 9) from three different universities in the Mid-Western United States completed hour-long interviews, which included 25 questions regarding their military, civilian, and university experiences. Results propose that women veterans experience a stronger identity crisis upon reintegration into civilian life and transition into a university setting than they do while serving in the military, suggesting that the reintegration process may be more disorienting than being in the male-dominated culture of the United States Military. Twelve themes concerning their experiences also emerged. Implications of these results and what services/resources universities should offer to women veterans are discussed.

Download

Share

COinS