Research Evaluation of an Australian Peer Outdoor Support Therapy Program for Contemporary Veterans’ Wellbeing

Abstract

Longitudinal quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted for male contemporary returned post-deployed (CRPD) veteran participants of an Australian 6-day structured peer outdoor support therapy (POST) program. Results demonstrated significant reductions in depression, anxiety and stress by day 6 compared to baseline, which was maintained at 2 months follow-up. Self-efficacy, overall life satisfaction and satisfaction with mental health also improved significantly. Qualitative analysis identified several key factors experienced: a sense of shared identity, involvement, and belonging with others, and increased self-determination and personal competence. Such programs may be an important adjunct or precursor to other forms of veteran therapeutic support.

Keywords:

• veteran
• Australia
• peer
• therapy
• quantitative
• qualitative
• trauma