ABSTRACT

A modest but significant number of military personnel sustained injuries during deployments resulting in an altered-appearance (e.g., limb loss and/or scarring). Civilian research indicates that appearance-altering injuries can affect psychosocial wellbeing, yet little is known about the impact of such injuries among injured personnel. This study aimed to understand the psychosocial impact of appearance-altering injuries and possible support needs among UK military personnel and veterans. Semi-structured interviews with 23 military participants who sustained appearance-altering injuries during deployments or training since 1969 were conducted. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, identifying six master themes. These themes indicate that in the context of broader recovery experiences, military personnel and veterans experience a variety of psychosocial difficulties related to their changed appearance. While some of these are consistent with evidence from civilians, military-related nuances in the challenges, protective experiences, coping approaches, and preferences for support are evident. Personnel and veterans with appearance-altering injuries may require specific support for adjusting to their changed appearance and related difficulties. However, barriers to acknowledging appearance concerns were identified. Implications for support provision and future research are discussed.

摘要

一小部分军事人员在部署期间受伤，导致外貌改变（例如肢体缺失和/或留疤）。民间研究表明，改变外观的伤害会影响社会心理健康，但人们对此类伤害对受伤人员的影响知之甚少。这项研究旨在了解英国军人和退伍军人外观改变损伤的心理社会影响以及可能的支持需求。对自 1969 年以来在部署或训练期间遭受外貌改变的 23 名军人进行了半结构化访谈。使用反思性主题分析对访谈进行了分析，确定了六个主要主题。这些主题表明，在更广泛的康复经历的背景下，军人和退伍军人经历了与他们的外表改变相关的各种心理社会困难。虽然其中一些与平民的证据一致，但挑战、保护经验、应对方法和支持偏好方面与军事相关的细微差别是显而易见的。患有外观改变损伤的人员和退伍军人可能需要特定的支持来适应其外观变化和相关困难。然而，承认外表问题存在障碍。讨论了支持提供和未来研究的影响。