Engagement in body modification practices in UK male military Veterans with injury, disability, illness, and/or mental health conditions

Following on from service, many military Veterans share a loss of purpose and difficulties adapting to the civilian lifestyle. It has also been well documented that males generally exhibit more reluctance to reach out for support and lower use of mental health services. Tattoos have been found to act as a symbol of masculinity and resilience from hardship, as well as a way for military Veterans to capture and make sense of their experiences. Tattoos have also been found to be an effective form of regaining identity in athletes with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, bodybuilding is consistently found to be another way of rebuilding identity, increasing confidence and self-esteem, as well as specifically helping symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military Veterans.

This project is a qualitative study aiming to explore the role of body modification amongst UK male military Veterans with injury, disability, illness, and/or mental health condition/s.

• What is the role of body modification in male military Veterans who have an injury, disability, illness, and/or mental health condition?
• What is the role of masculinity in embodied experiences and help-seeking in male military Veterans?

15 in total (each will fill out a questionnaire, and take part in a 60-90 minute interview) male military Veterans based in the UK who identify as having an injury, disability, illness, and/or mental health condition, and who have engaged in a form of body modification (tattoos, bodybuilding, piercings, surgery, etc.).