(Loss of) the super soldier: Combat-injuries, body image and veterans’ romantic relationships

Keeling, Mary; Sharratt, Nicholas David

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.Implications for Rehabilitation Changes to veterans’ body and physique following appearance-altering combat-injuries may affect identity, self-esteem, confidence, perceived attractiveness, sexual activity, and romantic relationships. Appearance-altering combat injuries may test the stability and strength of existing romantic relationships and introduce new challenges in initiating new romantic relationships. Peer support is helpful for combat-injured veterans adjusting to appearance-altering injuries and the impact on their romantic and intimate relationships. Combat-injured veterans may benefit from specific relationship support provided during their rehabilitation and recovery, to help alleviate relationship difficulties, minimise relationship breakdown, and support those whose relationships end post-injury.

Citation

Keeling, M., & Sharratt, N. D. (2023). (Loss of) the super soldier: Combat-injuries, body image and veterans’ romantic relationships. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(2), 209-219. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2026499

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 24, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 18, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Deposit Date: Jan 24, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 26, 2022
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 209-219
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2026499
• Keywords: military; masculinity; injury; appearance; romantic relationships; relationship support
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8542899
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2022.2026499