Date
8-20-2026
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
Chair
Marybeth Mitcham
Keywords
Combat veteran, PTSD, chronic pain, sleep impairments, spirituality, spiritual practices, Self-Determination Theory
Disciplines
Psychiatry and Psychology | Public Health
Recommended Citation
Sandoval Cornish, Minnette Danielle, "Exploring the Impact of Spiritual Fitness on Combat Veterans in Their Recovery from PTSD, Chronic Pain, and Sleep-Related Impairments" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8757.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8757
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how combat veterans utilize and perceive spiritual practices in their recovery from PTSD chronic pain, and sleep-related impairments (SRIs). Guided by Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2017) the study sought to understand which spiritual practices combat veterans used, how they incorporated the practice into recovery, and how they perceived the impact of those practices in managing their symptoms. Participants included 13 combat veterans who self-identified as using spiritual practices in their recovery from PTSD, chronic pain, and SRIs. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Interview and focus group transcripts were guided by Brauna and Clark’s (2021) reflexive thematic analysis and Moustakas (1994) transcendental phenomenology approach. Four themes emerged from the data: (a) spirituality as an active recovery practice, (b) spirituality as a framework for understanding and accepting suffering, (c) spirituality as a catalyst for personal growth and recovery, and (d) spirituality as connection, purpose, and service. Participants described using a variety of spiritual practices including exercise, breathwork, prayer, scripture readings, engagement with nature, service to others, and mediation. Participants perceived these practices as helping them manage emotions and symptoms, accept chronic pain, improve sleep outcomes, connection, and sense of purpose. Findings suggest that spirituality functions as a practical resource for recovery instead of a system of beliefs. The study contributes to existing literature by identifying specific practices and highlighting how those practices support and sustain recovery from the overlapping symptoms of PTSD, chronic pain, and SRIs.
