Aspects of defence: Discourse of veterans, research regarding current UK forces and veterans and working around defence mechanisms

Veterans seeking psychological input for mental health issues, following service with the UK Armed Forces, report difficulties in relating to mental health practitioners, often causing them to disengage with therapy. A wealth of quantitative research including epidemiology studies and outcome reports is available for this client group as well as best practice of treating mental health issues including combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. More qualitative studies are being produced, both for this client group and their associated mental health issues. However, there appears to be a paucity of qualitative literature regarding the language of veterans and it is this, especially in terms of improving the psychologists’ understanding of this client group, which has inspired this research. Nine veterans were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule and the data was transcribed and analysed using discourse analysis. Nineteen repertoires are described within five groups: Professional/Objective; Personal/Subjective; Exclusive: Mind-Body Connection: and Refutation. In addition, one discourse superstructure – Defence – is identified. Synthesis of the repertoires and superstructure takes place in relation to: military culture; masculinity; Ehlers and Clarks 2000 cognitive model of PTSD and DSM IV symptom criteria; and, neuro-psychology of memory and Brewin, Dalgleish and Joseph’s 1996 Dual Representation Theory of PTSD. In addition, applications of the repertoires for counselling are suggested.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

City University London

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Vallance, Lisa

• BF Psychology