Date

6-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Sara Jo Spiridigliozzi

Keywords

Veterans, Veteran Reintegration, Military Transition, Purpose in Life, Personal Narrative, Narrative Identity, Community Connectedness, Social Support, Psychological Well-Being, Veteran Programs, Community-Based Interventions, Surf Therapy, Post-Military Adjustment, Identity Integration, Veteran Well-Being

Disciplines

Psychology | Sociology

Abstract

A critical gap exists in non-clinical support programs for military service members transitioning to civilian life, especially in addressing purpose, personal narrative, and community reintegration. This study examined how a reintegration program addressed this gap through a unified conceptual framework—Purpose, Narrative, and Community (PNC)—which guided program design and delivery. The program was delivered through the Surf Brigade Foundation, a veteran initiative specializing in surf immersion located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Using a quantitative pretest-posttest case study design, this research evaluated changes in well-being, purpose identification, and social connectedness among participants. Outcomes were measured using the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES), the Purpose in Life Test-Short Form (PIL-SF), and the Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R). It was hypothesized that participants would show meaningful improvements in all three measured domains. Although statistically significant changes were not observed, qualitative review of participant reflections indicated perceived improvements in identity integration, purpose, and community connection. Study limitations included a small, self-selected sample and reliance on self-report measures, which may have affected generalizability and introduced bias. The study is significant because of its potential to offer a unified approach to veteran reintegration, which addresses a critical gap in current offerings. Findings may inform the development of more integrated veteran reintegration programming.

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