2026-10-12T19:58:16Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32641473 2026-10-01T16:23:09Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

A war on two fronts: the experience of Irish peacekeepers returning home from overseas deployment Colm Brian Doody (24169995) PUREID: 645002404 clinical psychology military qualitative study resilience adjustment systematic literature review Objective Individuals returning from international peacekeeping duties may face unique adjustment experiences that are not always well understood. Exposure to challenging situations during such deployments can impact their return to everyday life. This thesis aimed to explore how people make sense of and navigate the process of reintegration after time spent in complex environments abroad. The research included both a systematic review of existing literature and an in-depth qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Methods The thesis comprised two components: a systematic review to examine current knowledge on post-deployment adjustment, and a qualitative study involving detailed interviews with a small group of individuals who had previously participated in overseas roles. The IPA approach was used to explore participants' personal interpretations and lived experiences during the post-deployment period. Results Across both strands of the research, a range of difficulties were identified at the personal, interpersonal, and broader contextual levels. Emotional strain, shifts in relationships, and hesitation around seeking support were commonly described. However, participants also reported positive personal changes, such as broader perspectives and increased tolerance for difference. Conclusions Reintegration following time abroad appears to be a complex and multi-layered process. The findings point to the importance of offering support at various levels, including individual, relational, and institutional, and fostering environments that reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2026. 2026-10-01T16:23:09Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641473.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/A_war_on_two_fronts_the_experience_of_Irish_peacekeepers_returning_home_from_overseas_deployment/32641473 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2026-12-31