title: The biopsychosocial benefits and shortfalls for armed forces veterans engaged in archaeological activities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Organised outdoor activities are advocated as promoting multiple benefits for a veteran's wellbeing, of whom up to 50% have suffered either/both physical and mental health (MH) problems. This has resulted in significant investment in a growing number of outdoor events, one of which is the Defence Archaeology Group (DAG) which utilises the technical and social aspects of field archaeology in the recovery and skill development of injured veterans.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To advance knowledge within veterans' MH and wellbeing through an understanding of the potential long term biopsychosocial benefits and shortfalls for veterans undertaking DAG activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to enable identification of the issues from the participant veteran's perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  DAG archaeological excavations in April and August 2015.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews with 14 veterans.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The qualitative coding resulted in the indication of 18 categories subsumed within four clusters: motivation and access; mental health; veteran and teamwork; therapeutic environment and leadership.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The psychological benefits were improved self-esteem, confidence, a reduction in stigma and motivation to seek help. The reduction in situational stressors associated with difficult life conditions also appeared to improve mood, and there was a clear benefit in being in a caring environment where other people actively paid an interest. There were extended social benefits associated with being accepted as part of a team within a familiar military environment, which presented an opportunity to establish friendships and utilise military skill sets.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Organised outdoor activities offer multi-factorial hope for veterans searching for ways to ease the transition to civilian life and recover from military stress and trauma. The relaxing and reflective environment within a military setting appears to construct a sense of personal safety and thereby offers therapeutic value.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research & Innovation in Veterans Wellbeing, Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Chester, Riverside Campus, Castle Drive, Chester CH1 1SL. Electronic address: a.finnegan@chester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finnegan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: British army; Grounded theory; Mental health and wellbeing; Military nursing; Outdoor activities; Qualitative research; Rehabilitation; Veterans