| While women have played critical roles in the military since the American Revolution, they were not offered veteran status until the last few decades. The concept of a female veteran is relatively new, and one that many female service members have not recognized themselves. The current study examined the factors impacting female service members' ability to construct a veteran identity following their separation from the military. The study also investigated whether the female service members' veteran identity influenced their preference and use of Veteran Health Administration (VA) hospitals and clinics, and how well they reintegrated back into civilian society after their service. This study used a mixed-method design that included a descriptive statistical survey and a correlational analysis of 128 women veteran participants. The study found a positive correlation between women's veteran identity and preference of VA health care services. However, the findings did not support the hypothesis that women's veteran identity is negatively correlated with reintegration. Further ancillary analyses were conducted in order to gain additional information on variables that may influence women's veteran identity, use of VA services, and reintegration. |
