Military Identity Disruption and Veteran Mental Health During the Transition to Civilian Life
In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025, all of which examined military identity and veteran mental health during the transition to civilian life. I focused on how military identity disruption functions as a central factor influencing psychological outcomes among veterans following separation from service. Military identity has been conceptualized as an internalized system of values, roles, and norms developed through participation in military culture. Across the literature, researchers consistently found that the transition to civilian life involves significant changes in roles, social identity, and institutional environments, which may contribute to challenges in adjustment. Psychological factors such as trauma exposure and moral injury were associated with ongoing distress and shifts in self-concept, while institutional factors, including barriers to care and experiences of institutional betrayal, influenced help-seeking behavior. Additionally, changes in role structure and loss of purpose were identified as contributing factors to identity disruption during reintegration. The removal of clearly defined responsibilities and group-based roles was associated with difficulties in establishing new roles and maintaining a sense of direction in civilian life. Although existing research examines the challenges associated with this transition, there is limited research examining how these factors interact over time and how veterans’ strengths contribute to successful adjustment. Future research should further explore these areas to better inform institutional support systems and improve outcomes for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
PSY 499, Senior Capstone
Erin Mueller
11 – 11:25 AM
Goodrich 204