Student service member and veteran transition to higher education: A scoping review

Wilcher, Kortney

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122266 Copy

Description

Title

Student service member and veteran transition to higher education: A scoping review

Author(s)

Wilcher, Kortney

Issue Date

2023-12-05

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Chiu, Chung-Yi

Committee Member(s)

Lotspeich-Yadao, Michael

Department of Study

Kinesiology & Community Health

Discipline

Community Health

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• student service member
• student veteran
• higher education
• transition
• review

Abstract

As student service members and veteran (SSM/V) enrollment increases, it is important for campuses to respond to diverse population needs. SSM/V may enter higher education with service-connected disabilities, mental health concerns, financial burdens, and social adjustment challenges. A theory-driven scoping review was conducted to investigate what is known in the literature about SSM/V transition from the military to higher education post-OEF conflict. Two additional questions were considered: 1) “To what extent and which theory components are studied in the literature?” and 2) “What measures are used in the full-text reviewed studies?” Authors conducted a search across 5 databases (Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, ERIC, Scopus, and PsychINFO). Seventy-five eligible articles covered SSMV’s transition experiences, psychosocial factors, and environmental influences. An integrated theoretical framework using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory guided a thematic analysis of the search results. Three overarching themes emerged: Demographic, Health, and Psychosocial Factors; Interpersonal and Institutional Supports; and Academic Transition Experiences and Outcomes. Significant insights included the importance of veteran resource centers, social support networks (e.g., faculty, civilian peers, and SSM/V peers) and the impact of psychosocial factors (e.g., self-efficacy) on transition experiences (e.g., adjustment). The authors provide practical implications and recommendations for supporting SSM/V transition from the military to higher education.

Graduation Semester

2023-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122266

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Kortney Wilcher

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