Qualitative study of women's transition from military to civilian life

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Women's experiences of transition from military to civilian life in the UK: A Qualitative Study

• IRAS ID

  337826

• Contact name

  Marta Malecka

• Contact email

  maleckam@coventry.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Coventry University

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  P168566, Coventry University ethical approval

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 9 months, 13 days

• Research summary

  
  The aim of this research project is to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of military women during the process of transitioning from serving in the military to civilian life. The study will explore the meanings women attach to their situation, challenges encountered, and their approaches to reintegration. The semi-structured interviews will explore the impact of experiences of the military and a self-perception of identity and the sense of purpose during the transition from the military to civilian life, whilst looking at the experiences of accessing support. IPA method will be used to provide a rich and in-depth data, whilst using semi-structured interviews to allow an immersion in the personal experiences of the participants. The purposive sampling method will be utilised, as participants will be deliberately chosen based on specific qualities they possess. This study will aim to recruit 8-10 participants. Only women who previously served in the UK's regular Armed Forces will be selected for this study, including RN/MN, BA and RAF in both combat and non-combat roles who completed service over a year before taking a part in the study. Women who left the service within less than a year, at the time of data collection, will be excluded. A collection of demographic data, including age, relationship status, presence of children/family, rank, branch of service, years of service, role in the military, deployment history, mode of discharge, and engagement with military mental health services, will also be incorporated for consideration. The participants will be recruited from The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing NHS service (Op COURAGE) and the charities that assist former members of the British Armed Forces (e.g. Combat Stress).

• REC name

  West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  24/WM/0046

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 May 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion