Date

9-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Sharita Knobloch

Keywords

Sergeant Major, female, exploration, retired, phenomenology, transcendental, qualitative, nutrition, mental health

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the nutrition and mental health of seven retired female United States Army Command Sergeant Majors (CSM) and four retired United States Army Sergeant Majors (SGMs). Transcendental phenomenology was used in this study along with George Engel’s Biopsychosocial Theory (BPST). The study examined how dietary food choices converged with cognitive behavior, body image, restrictive eating, and the stress accompanied with transitioning from military to civilian life. Four themes and 11 subthemes emerged from this study. The findings indicated an integration with nutritional interventions, mental health services, family-focus education, and faith-based programs. These findings may help retired female SGMs and the broader veteran community sustain physical and mental wellness across their lifespan. This research highlights the need for policy-level collaboration among military leaders, family members, primary care providers, mental health counselors, nutritionists, and community leaders to collaborate with one another to create integrated systems instead of multiple standalone entities. The study further recommends scholars, military organizations, and continued education for clinicians to incorporate evidence-informed approaches as they relate to unique nutritional and mental health challenges faced by retired female SGMs.

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