The Experiences of Female Student Service Members and Veterans as Depicted Through Photovoice

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the experiences of female college student service members and veterans (FSSM/V).

Methodology: Photovoice was employed through photographs, interviews, and focus groups.

Results: Analysis revealed that FSSM/V experience both supports and poses barriers to their academic success, including challenges associated with balancing role demands, experiences of stress necessitating coping strategies, social disconnection from traditional undergraduates, and positive experiences of support from FSSM/V peers.

Limitations included a relatively small sample size that was lacking in diversity.

It was concluded that FSSM/V have distinct attributes and experiences that present strengths and needs relative to academic success and wellbeing.

Keywords:

• Photovoice
• student veterans
• transition
• wellbeing

Ethical statement

The research reported in this manuscript was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Towson University. Approval number: #1812044805

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge the following individuals who contributed to this research while enrolled as graduate occupational therapy students.

Rebecca Blavin, Mark Borja, Anna Cherepnina, Kirstie Evans, Yael Gidanian, Brooke King, Shoshana Soskil, Michelle Turk, and Shoshana Wiggins

Disclosure statement

There are no potential competing interests to report.