Keywords

camps, social support, posttraumatic stress, military sexual trauma

Abstract

Previous research has recognized the need to better understand the experience of female veterans and their adjustment upon returning home, especially considering that a growing number of veterans are women. Their stories, particularly as they relate to combat and the associated wounds of war, largely remain untold. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to employ a theoretical sample from Grounded Theory methodology to determine if similar recreation opportunity structure patterns existed in the use of outdoor sports and recreation for a sample of female veterans, as had been found in previous research with individuals with physical disabilities. The investigation revealed findings that substantiated the way in which recreation opportunity structures provide novel environments where physical skills and emotional capacities could be developed through (a) establishing social networks and bonding, (b) facilitating a sense of freedom from constraints, and (c) by providing opportunities to redefine or recapture their identity.

Original Publication Citation

Lundberg, N., Taniguchi, S., McGovern, R., & Smith, S., (2016). Female veteran’s involvement in outdoor sports and recreation: A theoretical sample of recreation opportunity structures. Journal of Leisure Research, 48(5), 349-373.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016

Publisher

Journal of Leisure Research

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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