Volunteer to help future Wounded Women Warriors.....
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My study seeks to understand the adjustment issues faced by American women warriors who experience a traumatic amputation. In order to provide a maximally supportive environment for these women during their recovery, it is crucial to understand what it is like to live in their world.
At the present time there is no published research. As the number of women warriors returning with physical disabilities increases, it is vital that medical and mental health support staff understand the unique challenges these women face. This information may also help their friends and families understand their needs so they can provide the support these women need to make a successful return to self-sufficiency in life and work.
Over 220,000 female soldiers have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for one or more tours of duty. As of August 2009, a total of 121 women warriors have died, and it is estimated over 620 have received serious injuries. It is very important to learn about their life experience.
This study will use internet interviews using Skype to understand this life experience. Each woman will be invited to tell her story of how she adjusted to life as an amputee with the assurance of confidentiality. She will also know that her gift of sharing will be used to help future women warriors through their adjustment process.
The research questions are: "Please tell me about your experience of combat as a woman." "How has being injured changed your life?" "What is your daily life like today?"
Transcripts of the individual interviews will be analyzed for common threads and then the co-participants would be asked to participate in a Skype focus group to discuss the findings. Using the common threads reported in this study, a tapestry for understanding this life phenomenon can be woven. This study will be conducted in fulfillment of the requirements for the doctoral degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
