Date
3-10-2026
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
Chair
Mona Fazzina
Keywords
Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, Women veteran, Male veteran
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Chen, Caren Valencia, "A Phenomenological Study of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Combat Deployed Women Combat Veterans" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8027.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8027
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to delineate factors that impact women combat veterans with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) after deployment and completion of military service. The theory guiding this was Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. The conceptual framework guiding the study was Crenshaw's intersectionality theory. C-PTSD is often diagnosed with service members throughout their time in the military, and after their time in the military is complete. The central research question, “What are the lived experiences of women combat veterans diagnosed with C-PTSD?” was addressed through interviews with focus groups. The sub-questions to analyze direct correlation issues related to women combat veterans during redeployment services and transition from military services, who are diagnosed with C-PTSD, collected data from Veterans Affairs (VA) and Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). The similarities and differences between resources offered for women and male veterans diagnosed with C-PTSD who are deployed to combat were categorized. This study also displayed a comparison of how gender impacts mental health evaluations and access to care. Services were observed for women veterans when processing into Veterans Affairs (VA) care and military treatment facilities. Long-term services for PTSD, programs that aid, and quality of life were discussed.
