ORCID Identifier(s)

ORCID 0009-0009-7909-1147

Graduation Semester and Year

Spring 2025

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

De'An Roper

Second Advisor

Regina T. Praetorius

Third Advisor

Donna L. Schuman

Abstract

The reintegration experiences of veterans and formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) share significant parallels, yet there is a notable lack of literature exploring these similarities. This study employs qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) methodology, a cross-study qualitative analysis approach developed specifically for the social work field, to identify commonalities in the reintegration narratives of U.S. veterans transitioning from military service and FIPs returning to civilian life post-incarceration. The author conducted a QIMS on ten studies published between 2006 and 2024 (N=172). The QIMS yielded seven overarching themes: supports, mental health and wellness, institutional residue, culture shock, socioeconomic hardships (“it’s hard out here”), personal growth and transformation, and finding a new normal. The socio-ecological framework guided the analysis, illustrating the interplay between individual, relational, community, and societal factors affecting reintegration. Findings underscore the potential for cross-population application of best practices in social work and policy, advocating for holistic, multi-level interventions to enhance reintegration outcomes. Implications for social work practice, policy, and future research are discussed.

Keywords

Military veterans, Formerly incarcerated persons, Returning citizens, Reintegration, Military-civilian transition, Offender reentry, Reverse culture shock, Socio-ecological model, Social work, Qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis

Disciplines

Criminology | Military and Veterans Studies | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Social Psychology and Interaction | Social Work

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