The Influence of Military Mindset in Canine Selection for the Mitigation of PTSD Symptomology within a Tennessee Veteran Population: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the influence of military mindset on personal canine selection through the lived experiences of Tennessee military veterans to enhance military cultural competency and aid in development of complimentary and integrative approaches to veteran mental health. Insufficient research exists into understanding the specific needs of reintegrating veterans and into the benefits of canine-assisted therapies. The theories which guided this study were Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory of Learning and Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Motivation. This qualitative study was further guided by axiological philosophical assumptions. Fifteen participants were recruited via email and selected based on meeting qualifying criteria. Data was collected through face-to-face, recorded, semi-structured interviews and concept mapping utilized for development of data analysis and theme development. Data analysis yielded three primary themes: shared experiences of military culture and mindset, individual experiences with PTSD, and perceived benefits of canines for the mitigation of PTSD symptomology, with each theme being comprised of subthemes. This research aided in filling the gap in the literature by identifying specific reintegration obstacles faced by veterans and by demonstrating the perceived efficacy of the effectiveness of personally selected canines on PTSD symptomology. Results from this research may be applied to laying military cultural competency and a foundation for future research on less traditional therapeutic interventions for PTSD within a veteran population.