(Loss of) the super soldier: combat-injuries, body image and veterans’ romantic relationships
Abstract: Purpose: Some military personnel sustain physical injuries that alter their appearance, such as limb-loss and scarring. Veterans injured this way may experience body image distress and mental and physical wellbeing difficulties. While research with civilians indicates those with appearance-altering conditions may experience relationship difficulties, this issue remained unexplored among combat-injured veterans. This study aimed to understand how veterans who sustained appearance-altering combat injuries experienced and understood their changed appearance within the context of their romantic relationships. Materials and method: Semi-structured interviews with four male UK combat-injured veterans were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes were generated: (loss of) the super solider; new states of vulnerability; and injury tests relationships. Conclusions: Masculinity was central to participants’ military identity and represented by their military bodies. Following injury and the loss of their military body, some experienced relationship challenges including a test to the foundations and commitment of their relationships. In contrast, some veterans’ relationships grew stronger, especially among participants who described dyadic coping. Additional challenges were related to decreased self-confidence, appearance concerns, and sex and intimacy. Implications for the provision of relationship support for combat-injured veterans and their partners through the long-term trajectory of rehabilitation are discussed.
Abstract: Objectives: Increasing numbers of older adults are reentering community following incarceration (i.e., reentry), yet risk of incident neurodegenerative disorders associated with reentry is unknown. Our objective was to determine association between reentry status (reentry vs never-incarcerated) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. Methods: This nationwide, longitudinal cohort study used linked Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Veterans Health Administration data. Participants were aged 65 years or older who experienced reentry between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, with no preincarceration MCI/dementia, compared with age-matched/sex-matched never-incarcerated veterans. MCI/dementia was defined by diagnostic codes. Fine-Gray proportional hazards models were used to examine association. Results: This study included 35,520 veterans, mean age of 70 years, and approximately 1% women. The reentry group (N = 5,920) had higher incidence of MCI/dementia compared with the never-incarcerated group (N = 29,600; 10.2% vs 7.2%; fully adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.25). On further investigation, reentry was associated with increased risk of dementia with or without prior MCI diagnosis (aHR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.39) but not MCI only. Discussion: Transition from incarceration to community increased risk of neurocognitive diagnosis. Findings indicate health/social services to identify and address significant cognitive deficits on late-life reentry. Limitations include generalizability to nonveterans.