The Psychological Adjustment Experience of Reintegration Following Discharge from Military Service: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Previous literature has noted a substantial proportion of veterans experience difficulty reintegrating into civilian society following discharge from military service, which may have a significant impact on their psychosocial functioning.

Purpose: This review aimed to identify, describe and thematically synthesise literature on veteran reintegration following discharge from military service, focusing on psychological adjustment experiences.

Material and methods: A systematic multi-database text word search incorporating search results from the databases PsycINFO, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Military and Government Collection, Scopus and Web of Science. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) was used to assess the quality of included studies, and thematic synthesis was used to review the studies and identify common themes.

Results: The review identified 18 qualitative and mixed methods studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Synthesis of studies revealed that veterans experience significant and multiple losses following discharge from military service. Overall, veterans’ transition experiences were impacted by the loss of military culture and community, a loss of identity, and the loss of purpose. These findings were consistent across countries and contexts. This review also identified a number of limitations and gaps in the current literature and outlined strategies to address such limitations in future research.

Conclusion: These findings establish the importance of addressing the experience of loss for transitioning military veterans.