Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Balmer, B. R., Sippola, J., & Beehler, S. (2021). Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups. Journal of Community Psychology, 49(7), 2764-2780. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22516
Abstract Created by REACH:
Vets & Friends (V&F) is a group support intervention that gathers Veterans, their families, and community members to help Veterans heal from trauma by discussing various topics (e.g., self-regulation, trauma triggers, relationship maintenance). This study conducted focus groups with 23 participants to understand Veterans’ experiences with the program. Two themes highlight how V&F (1) helps Veterans heal and (2) promotes better relational connections.
Focus:
Veterans
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Parent of a service member or veteran
Other
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Qualitative study
Authors:
Balmer, B. R., Sippola, John, Beehler, Sarah
Abstract:
Veterans often experience challenges related to processing traumatic experiences and community reintegration, yet there is a dearth of research on promising community-driven approaches. This paper describes core processes and outcomes of Vets & Friends (V&F), a community-based support program that promotes veteran reintegration by healing trauma and moral injury using a communalization of trauma (CoT) approach. We conducted focus groups with 23 V&F group members. A mix of inductive and deductive codes were generated during thematic analysis. Critical themes identified included processes such as sharing narratives, connecting emotionally with experiences, feeling heard and accepted by group members, and listening as others shared their experiences. Outcomes included restoration of trust, connection with group members, building skills to manage trauma, and community acceptance and engagement. V&F shows promise in meeting veteran-specific needs by employing CoT approaches that offer opportunities to restore community trust and acceptance.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
John Wiley & Sons
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, BRB
Welcome Them Home – Help Them Heal Nonprofit, JS
Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, SB
Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, U.S. Veterans Health Administration, SB
Keywords:
communalization of trauma, community-based, moral injury, peer support, qualitative research, trauma, veteran
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: