The Unresolved Battles: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of UK Military Veterans Incarcerated in Scotland

Rappoport, Jacqueline A. Karl

Abstract

Background: Military veterans represent a sizeable occupational group incarcerated in UK prisons. Research investigating why is predominately dominated by discourse around employment and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Theorising the collective experiences from an interdisciplinary and biographical approach, this PhD study furthers the debate on how pathways from military service to prison might be interrupted in the future.

Methods: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen veterans incarcerated in Scotland, UK. Data were analysed using an analytically pluralistic approach utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Thematic Analysis.

Findings: Themes of adverse childhood experiences, institutionalisation, transitions, and ‘failed’ identities helped to frame an understanding of the lived experiences of these veterans. Accounts of being unprepared for the transition both in and out of military service resulted in the participants challenging life histories becoming more so as a result of military service. This was especially true for those who joined prior to their eighteenth birthday. For most, the path to criminal offending was short; with weak support structures and newly formed failed military identities negatively influencing their transition back into civilian life.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Ministry of Defence should systematically look for, and address instances of pre-enlistment trauma prior to enlistment, especially for those who enlist prior to their eighteen birthday. This is suggested not a means to deter enlistment but to better prepare individuals with complex histories to the challenges that lay ahead in military service. As society is ill equipped to support these veterans in resolving the internal battles they contend with after service, better support should be provided when sudden exits are necessary and unprepared for.

Citation

Rappoport, J. A. K. The Unresolved Battles: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of UK Military Veterans Incarcerated in Scotland. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 21, 2023
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17869/enu.2023.3175382
• Keywords: veterans, desistance, incarceration, offending, trauma, identity, transitions
• Award Date: Jul 5, 2023