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01-07-2020 | Original Paper

Connecting Veterans and Their Community Through Narrative: Pilot Data on a Community Strengthening Intervention

Authors: Daria Mamon, Arielle A. J. Scoglio, Rachelle M. Calixte, Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Benjamin Patton, Charles E. Drebing

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Military personnel transitioning to civilian life commonly report difficulty with establishing friendships, reconnecting with family, and a greater sense that they do not “fit in.” Personal narrative interventions have the potential to increase the community’s interest and understanding of Veterans’ experience. This study examines the impact of a narrative intervention in which Veterans used film or verbal storytelling to describe their experience of being a Veteran to civilian audiences. A total 12 Veterans participated in at least one performance, and 88 community audience members attended one of six performances of the Veterans’ narratives. Survey data indicate increase in positive attitudes towards Veterans, as well as a shift in the Veterans’ perspective of civilians as receptive and supportive. These preliminary findings suggest that narrative interventions appear to have a positive impact on civilians’ interest in Veterans and therefore, may be a valuable community reintegration intervention.

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Title: Connecting Veterans and Their Community Through Narrative: Pilot Data on a Community Strengthening Intervention
Authors: Daria Mamon
Arielle A. J. Scoglio
Rachelle M. Calixte
Rivka Tuval-Mashiach
Benjamin Patton
Charles E. Drebing
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00540-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Connecting Veterans and Their Community Through Narrative: Pilot Data on a Community Strengthening Intervention

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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