Burnell, Karen and Needs, Adrian and Gordon, Kim (2017) Exploring the suitability and acceptability of peer support for older veterans. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 18 (2). pp. 120-130. ISSN 1471-7794
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Abstract
Purpose
Informal social support is often sought by veterans to support reminiscence or cope with traumatic memories. However, it can also encourage unhelpful ways of coping, such as avoidance, or may be absent altogether. This project is borrowed from the growing peer support literature. The purpose of this paper is to explore the suitability of peer support services to enhance the wellbeing for older veterans, when naturally occurring support is absent or unhelpful.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a sequentially staged research programme involving a scoping review of current practice and evidence, and a consultation with veterans. In total, ten veterans (nine male, one female) took part in the consultation (M=66 years).
Findings
Peer support was considered suitable, particularly in addressing loneliness and social isolation. There was an understandable concern regarding its use with more complex issues such as trauma. An added issue was the implicit assumption that this consultation concerned transition; supporting younger veteran as they move from military to civilian life. This mirrored the focus of current UK policy and affected the focus of the consultation. Issues were also raised around the sustainability of services more broadly.
Social implications
Peer support is appropriate in supporting older veterans, but must be implemented in a sustainable way. Raising awareness of the needs of older veterans in older adult services is an important implication for service development and delivery.
Originality/value
There is a considerable lack of research concerning older veterans, particularly concerning their formal and informal social support needs. This paper addresses the current gap in the literature.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information and Comments: | This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here http://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/1998 Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited. http://emeraldgrouppublishing.com/openaccess.htm |
Keywords: | Social support, Befriending, Peer support, Loneliness, Veterans, Older adults, Social interventions |
Faculty / Department: | Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Psychology |
Depositing User: | KIM GORDON |
Date Deposited: | 05 Jun 2017 08:45 |
Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2020 13:34 |
URI: | https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/1998 |
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