Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

8-2024

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph. D.

Department

Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development

Degree Program

Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, PhD

Committee Chair

Hums, Mary

Committee Member

Hancock, Meg

Committee Member

King, Kristi

Committee Member

Ingle, W. Kyle

Committee Member

Damon, Zachary

Author's Keywords

Military; veteran; PTSD; team sports; intervention

Abstract

Team sports have been a staple of life for over 150 years. Presently, no research has been undertaken on the possibility of team sports as an intervention with PTSD in military veterans. The primary aim of this investigation was to explore how participation in team sports can alter veterans’ perceptions of their PTSD symptoms and overall well-being. Using phenomenological qualitative semi-structured interviews with eight veterans engaged in team sports, the research highlights the transformative power and holistic health benefits of such involvement. This dissertation used a two-paper format: The first paper identified direct perceived influences of team sports, revealing promising enhancements in veterans’ mental health and a potential reduction in suicidal ideation. The subsequent paper builds on these findings, detailing the role of team sports in offering a supportive community that helps veterans’ ongoing transition from military to civilian life. The results show that regular participation in team sports can serve as a powerful intervention for improving and sustaining veterans’ mental health, support structures, and life purpose. This research highlights the necessity of including structured team sports in veteran care and the profound impact in enhancing veterans’ psychosocial health and quality of life. Moreover, this study shows the strategic potential of team sports as a dynamic tool for sports practitioners, emphasizing their role in pioneering preventative care for veterans. Lastly, this research invites sports practitioners to consider team sports as a proactive measure in all programs, enhancing traditional care models with robust, community-driven activities that actively and meaningfully engage veterans.

Download

Share

COinS