Article

As part of a larger mixed-methods research project investigating the influence of
contextual factors on community reintegration (CR), this qualitative study sought
to understand the subjective experiences of injured servicemembers and their
perception of how contextual factors influenced their CR. More specifically, this
article addresses how the influences of contextual factors differ between injured
servicemembers with different levels of CR. Using a phenomenological framework,
semistructured interviews were conducted with nine injured, community-dwelling
servicemembers with low, moderate, and high levels of CR (three per category).
Participants provided in-depth descriptions of the contextual barriers and
facilitators of CR. Thematic analysis indicated the importance of social support
and personal factors (e.g., self-efficacy, personal motivation) as the primary
means for being reintegrated into their homes and communities. Other themes
indicated factors that had an indirect but important influence on CR, including
adapted sports, recreation, and other social programs; rehabilitation programs
and therapists; school, work, and volunteering; and organizations and policies in
developing social supports and personal factors. Comparisons between
servicemembers indicated participants with low CR described many more contextual
barriers and far fewer contextual facilitators to reintegration than those with
high CR. Those with moderate CR were unique in that they described many
facilitators and barriers to reintegration.

Langue : ANGLAIS