Social Work Faculty Publications

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Journal Title

Journal of Veterans Studies

ISSN

2470-4768

Volume

8

Issue

3

First Page

170

Last Page

181

DOI

10.21061/jvs.v8i3.363

Abstract

This study takes a phenomenological approach to explore the experience of Operation Song, a United States nonprofit organization’s songwriting program for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six participants completed semi-structured interviews to identify the structural, textural, and composite descriptions of the Operation Song experience. Findings were analyzed through an interpretive phenomenological analysis, which led to themes describing the essence as a “catalyst to invoke personal change.” When restructured for this article, original key themes describing the overall experience were reestablished as a setting that promoted authenticity, trusted social support, uniquely skilled songwriters, songwriting, and listening to the songs. Through a review of the biopsychosocial impacts of trauma and resiliency factors, this study offers a unique outlook supporting social and creative experiences as complementary mechanisms to enhance treatment outcomes for military veterans with PTSD.

Keywords

PTSD, songwriting, resiliency, complementary and alternative therapy, veterans, qualitative

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