Abstract
This study explores how spirituality can empower positive health outcomes and resiliency in young adult veterans at risk of death by suicide in the United States. Active duty servicemembers and veterans die by suicide at higher rates than the general population, indicating significant challenges to mental health and well-being. This thesis aims to discover perceptions of spirituality and mental health through a qualitative study. A cross-border focus group of veteran and non-veteran participants from Canada and the United States contributed answers to the research questions. The data reveal that spirituality is a unique experience where people strengthen their sense of connection in personally meaningful ways. Additionally, the data revealed that without access to diverse cultural approaches to healing, young adult veterans disconnect from their identity and worldview. Young adult veterans without connection suffer isolation and loneliness, becoming more susceptible to behaviors in a cycle of suicidal exposure, suicidal ideation, and death by suicide. The data also discovered misunderstandings at the organizational and institutional level, where healthcare providers undervalue spirituality in a biomedical approach to medicine. Obstacles, such as lack of epigenetic frameworks, stigmas against healthy masculinity, and colonial education systems, all influence policies and legislation that disconnect individuals from their communities. The research concludes that resiliency against suicide requires a cross-cultural understanding of spirituality. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working in an inter-disciplinary manner might employ the findings to enhance nongovernment and government collaboration to encourage diverse cultural practices that strengthen veterans’ connections to themselves and their communities.
Presenters
Ehren GruberCo-founder, President, Praxium Learning Foundation, British Columbia, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Spirituality, Cross-Culture, Culture, Community, Identity, Worldview, Self-esteem, Belonging, Education, Service
