Centre for Policy on Ageing



Falklands War veterans' perceptions of social support and the reconciliation of traumatic memories
Author(s)	K J Burnell, P G Coleman, N Hunt
Journal title	Aging & Mental Health, vol 10, no 3, May 2006
Pages	pp 282-289
Source	http://www.tandfonline.com
Keywords	Armed Forces ; War ; Memory and Reminiscence ; Attitude ; Friendship ; Family care ; Stress ; Social surveys.
Annotation	Four currently serving male Royal Marines aged 40-42 (aged 18-20 at the time of the Falklands War) participated in this study regarding the role social support plays in the reconciliation of traumatic memories. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews explored their perceptions of social support. Using thematic analysis, comradeship was found to be important in terms of maintaining support networks. However, this resource was used to avoid the reconciliation of traumatic memories. Social support from family members was sought when veterans were reassured that relatives would understand their experiences, and could support reconciliation. The importance of positive societal reaction was also emphasised. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential for early life reconciliation of traumatic war memories through the creation of a meaningful personal narrative. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-061027004 A
Classmark	VMM: VMC: DB: DP: DS:SX: P6:SJ: QNH: 3F
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing

...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.