Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School

College of Education and Human Services

Department/Program

Counseling

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Harriet L. Glosoff

Committee Member

Leslie Kooyman

Committee Member

Edina Renfro-Michel

Committee Member

Sandra I. Lopez-Baez

Abstract

This research was a qualitative study, grounded in feminist research methodology that explored the experiences of women veterans' transition into the civilian world of work. This study explored facets that participants found to be helpful, as well as inhibitive of growth in their transition into the civilian world of work.

Eight women veterans participated in two separate in-depth interviews focused on how they described their ongoing transition into the civilian world of work. They also offered recommendations for how to best support female veterans in their journey that begins when they exit the military. While each woman's story of transition was unique, there were commonalities to the challenges they faced and what they found helpful. Feminist theory guided the data analysis process, which entailed constant comparative coding until no new patterns emerged from the data.

Data analysis resulted in three primary themes, each consisting of three sub-themes. The findings suggest that participants perceive significant differences between military and civilian culture, which can contribute to feeling disconnected to others in the civilian work culture. Results also suggested that increased knowledge of military culture and a greater understanding of veteran's experiences may be helpful for counselors, friends, family, and community in providing effective support for women veterans in their transition into the civilian world of work. Implications for advocacy, practice, and counselor, and future research were provided.

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