Veterans’ Civilian Employment Experiences: Lessons Learnt from Focus Groups.
Abstract: Employment of veterans after leaving military service appears to be an important factor affecting their transition back to civilian life. Although there are employment programs in place to assist veterans in their search for civilian employment post-service, these programs tend to focus on the practical aspects such as resume writing and interview skills. However, difficulties finding employment are most likely caused by more than just these practical factors. This study conducted focus groups with US military veterans to understand the veterans experiences of finding employment after leaving service. The focus groups highlighted experiences before they leave military service such as if they made any plans and preparations and factors after leaving service such experiencing barriers from employers as affecting their civilian employment success. Another key factor was whether the veterans were self-motivated and determined to continue to find employment even in the face of the challenges. These findings are important for understanding and informing the employment support veterans may need.
Abstract: Background: Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during military service can lead to moral injury (MI) outcomes and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This longitudinal study examined the relationships between PMIE exposure, MI outcomes, and PTSS among Israeli combat veterans, and the potential protective role of dispositional forgiveness in these associations. Method: Participants were 169 Israeli combat veterans who participated in a six-year longitudinal study with four measurement points (T1: 12 months before enlistment, T2: Six months following enlistment- pre-deployment, T3: 18 months following enlistment- post-deployment, and T4: 28 months following discharge). Participants’ characteristics were assessed via semi-structured interviews (T1) and validated self-report measures (T2-T4) between 2019-2024. Results: Approximately 36% of participants reported exposure to PMIEs during service, with 13% exceeding the clinical threshold for probable PTSD at T4. PMIE-Betrayal at T3 was positively associated with MI outcomes of shame and trust violation at T4. The indirect effect of PMIEs on PTSS through MI outcome-Shame depended on forgiveness levels. Among veterans with low forgiveness, higher exposure to PMIE-Betrayal was associated with increased MI shame, which was linked to more severe PTSS. Conversely, for those with high forgiveness, exposure to PMIE-Self and Other was associated with decreased MI shame and subsequently reduced PTSS. Conclusion: Dispositional forgiveness moderates the relationship between PMIE exposure and MI outcomes, particularly shame, which mediates the development of PTSS. These findings highlight forgiveness as a potential target for intervention in treating moral injury and preventing PTSS among combat veterans.