Separated Post 9/11 Veteran Experiences Utilizing Resilience Training
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Authors
Heiser, Rachael
Issue Date
2025-10
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Post 9/11 , Veterans , Transactional Theory of Stress , Military Learners & Veteran Transition
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study examined how post-9/11 veterans utilize resilience training during their transition to civilian life, using the transactional theory of stress as the guiding framework. The research question of this study is what are the individual experiences of post 9/11 veterans in utilizing resilience training after separating from the military and transitioning into civilian life? According to the transactional theory of stress, individuals appraise and respond to stressors based on dynamic interactions between themselves and their environment. Resilience training may enhance coping by strengthening these adaptive responses. Research has shown that increasing resilience can improve the ability to cope. Through an interpretive phenomenological analysis lens, the results were then analyzed to determine themes and subthemes. Participants were post-9/11 veterans who had fully separated from the military and previously completed resilience training. They volunteered for the study and participated in semi-structured interviews focused on their transition experiences. Through semi-structured interviews, the participants answered specific questions regarding their experiences with the training and the transition after separating from the military. Findings revealed that veterans who had positive experiences with resilience training were more likely to apply those skills during their transition and reported stronger coping abilities. Conversely, those with negative training experiences faced greater challenges. These results suggest that enhancing the quality and accessibility of resilience training may support smoother transitions and improved mental health outcomes. Implications include the need for further research with larger and more diverse samples, as well as the integration of resilience-building practices into clinical and transitional support services.The conclusion of this study was that greater emphasis on increasing resilience can improve assessment and coping with stressors. The implications of this study are that future research is needed to establish similar results in larger population pools. The implications can also impact future practice measures for the need for more resilience building in clinical settings. This study contributes to a growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of tailored resilience interventions in supporting veterans’ post-service adjustment.