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. 2021 Sep;49(7):2764-2780.
doi: 10.1002/jcop.22516. Epub 2021 Jan 28.

Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups

B R Balmer  1 , John Sippola  2 , Sarah Beehler  1   3
Affiliations

Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups

B R Balmer et al. J Community Psychol. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Veterans often experience challenges related to processing traumatic experiences and community reintegration, yet there is a dearth of research on promising community-driven approaches. This paper describes core processes and outcomes of Vets & Friends (V&F), a community-based support program that promotes veteran reintegration by healing trauma and moral injury using a communalization of trauma (CoT) approach. We conducted focus groups with 23 V&F group members. A mix of inductive and deductive codes were generated during thematic analysis. Critical themes identified included processes such as sharing narratives, connecting emotionally with experiences, feeling heard and accepted by group members, and listening as others shared their experiences. Outcomes included restoration of trust, connection with group members, building skills to manage trauma, and community acceptance and engagement. V&F shows promise in meeting veteran-specific needs by employing CoT approaches that offer opportunities to restore community trust and acceptance.

Keywords: communalization of trauma; community-based; moral injury; peer support; qualitative research; trauma; veteran.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Authors B R. Balmer and Sarah Beehler have no formal ties to Vets & Friends. Author John Sippola is the director of Welcome Them Home-Help Them Heal, the nonprofit which developed and maintains Vets & Friends. Authors took care to ensure no conflict of interest prejudiced the impartiality of the research reported.

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