The Veteran's Identity Journey: A Qualitative Exploration Through Social Identity Model of Identity Change

Abstract

The current study delves into the transition faced by military veterans upon their retirement from the armed forces. Retirees encounter various difficulties, primarily revolving around shifts in group dynamics, alterations in roles and responsibilities and adapting to civilian life. Rooted in the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC), which posits that group identification can mitigate threats to well-being during life transitions, we explored the relevance of this model to the context of military retirement. Through semi-structured interviews with 17 retired veterans, we employed reflexive thematic analysis to investigate SIMIC's pathways. Our findings underscored the significance of identity continuity and gain pathways, which either posed challenges to veterans' sense of identity or facilitated their adjustment process. The compatibility between the two pathways also played a crucial role in facilitating the adjustment process. This qualitative validation of the SIMIC model sheds light on the unique experiences of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.