Abstract

This phenomenological qualitative study employed Photovoice to investigate the experiences of college student service members and veterans (SSM/V) in relation to the transition from the military to higher education. Twelve participants took three photographs per day for seven days that reflected their everyday experiences as SSM/V. Individual interviews and focus groups engaged participants in a discussion of the meaning of the experiences represented in the photographs. Thematic analysis revealed that SSM/V experienced social disconnection upon returning from military service, that they viewed the campus military and veterans center (MVC) as a supportive environment, that newly assumed roles in the context of the MVC provided a new sense of identity and meaning, and that social connections with other veterans provided a key source of support. A campus MVC may serve as a valued campus resource for the development of new social networks and roles that support the successful transition for SSM/V.

摘要

这项现象学定性研究使用Photovoice来调查大学生服务成员和退伍军人（SSM / V）与从军事到高等教育的过渡有关的经验。12位参与者每天拍摄三张照片，为期7天，反映了他们作为SSM / V的日常经历。个别访谈和焦点小组让参与者讨论了照片中所代表体验的含义。专题分析显示，SSM / V在退伍后经历了社会脱节，他们将校园军事和退伍军人中心（MVC）视为一种支持环境，在MVC的背景下新担任的角色提供了一种新的认同感和含义，以及与其他退伍军人的社交关系提供了重要的支持来源。