Name
E13 - Understanding the Experiences of Women Undergoing Medical Separation from the United States Military
Description
The transition from military to civilian life after being found medically unfit for duty can be accompanied by uncertainty about the future, emotional distress, significant changes in finances and family life, and even thoughts of suicide (Hoffmire et al., 2022; Lee-Tauler et al., 2024). Military women may have unique experiences during this transition in relation to the physical and mental health conditions prompting separation and the support they receive (Boros & Erolin, 2021; Eichler et al., 2021; Lacks & Lamson, 2018). This presentation will provide an overview of the medical separation process and the findings of qualitative interviews with 18 women who were either undergoing medical separation from the U.S. military or who had medically separated within 12 months of the interview. Themes from the interviews include gender and sex-specific factors related to participants’ medical condition, the impact of the transition on identity (e.g., as a mother), the impact of the transition on families and relationships, and support received throughout the transition, particularly in relation to suicide risk. The presentation will conclude with recommendations for supporting women who are medically separating from the military.
Date & Time
Friday, October 25, 2024, 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Speakers
Co-Authors
Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Jessica M LaCroix, PhD, Deputy Director, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Jacquie Lee, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Tierney K Huppert, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Amber M Winters, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Max Stivers, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; A. Penelope Arellano-Euribe, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Joseph Grammer, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Kathryn J Alvarado, Research Associate, Suicide CPR Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; David Boyd, Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer Assistant, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Lee E Patterson, Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Mario F Golle, MD, Director, Integrated Disability Evaluation System, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Marjan Ghahramanlou Holloway, PhD, Director, Suicide CPR Initiative, Professor, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Patient-centered care or Patient perspectives, Prevention, Underserved populations (e.g. LGBTQ)
Session Type
Concurrent
SIG or Committee
JMC, F&H
Location Name
Bonham C