@article{ref1,
title="(Loss of) the super soldier: combat-injuries, body image and veterans' romantic relationships",
journal="Disability and rehabilitation",
year="2022",
author="Keeling, Mary and Sharratt, Nicholas David",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: Some military personnel sustain physical injuries that alter their appearance, such as limb-loss and scarring. Veterans injured this way may experience body image distress and mental and physical wellbeing difficulties. While research with civilians indicates those with appearance-altering conditions may experience relationship difficulties, this issue remained unexplored among combat-injured veterans. This study aimed to understand how veterans who sustained appearance-altering combat injuries experienced and understood their changed appearance within the context of their romantic relationships. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Semi-structured interviews with four male UK combat-injured veterans were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. <br><br>RESULTS: Three superordinate themes were generated: (loss of) the super solider; new states of vulnerability; and injury tests relationships. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Masculinity was central to participants' military identity and represented by their military bodies. Following injury and the loss of their military body, some experienced relationship challenges including a test to the foundations and commitment of their relationships. In contrast, some veterans' relationships grew stronger, especially among participants who described dyadic coping. Additional challenges were related to decreased self-confidence, appearance concerns, and sex and intimacy. Implications for the provision of relationship support for combat-injured veterans and their partners through the long-term trajectory of rehabilitation are discussed.Implications for RehabilitationChanges to veterans' body and physique following appearance-altering combat-injuries may affect identity, self-esteem, confidence, perceived attractiveness, sexual activity, and romantic relationships.Appearance-altering combat injuries may test the stability and strength of existing romantic relationships and introduce new challenges in initiating new romantic relationships.Peer support is helpful for combat-injured veterans adjusting to appearance-altering injuries and the impact on their romantic and intimate relationships.Combat-injured veterans may benefit from specific relationship support provided during their rehabilitation and recovery, to help alleviate relationship difficulties, minimise relationship breakdown, and support those whose relationships end post-injury.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0963-8288",
doi="10.1080/09638288.2022.2026499",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2026499"
}