Exploring the Consequences of Body Disfigurement on Veterans: An Integrative Review.

Abstract

Introduction: This integrative review studies the psychological impact of body disfigurement on veterans who are injured in military service. More than 1.7 million veterans spanning different military service periods report having disfiguring scars related to their service. Methods: The analysis utilized studies published between 2014 and 2024 in the PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Scopus databases to identify common psychological impacts, coping strategies, and adaptations among military veterans. Nineteen studies were of moderate-to-high quality based on the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: Two themes were identified from the included studies: Situational Awareness, with subthemes of Rallying the Family, Dealing with Feelings, Working on Relationships, and Rediscovering Who You Are; and After-Review Actions, with subthemes of Soldiering On and Growing Stronger after Tough Times. Findings suggested that not only does body disfigurement contribute to psychological and relational issues, but resilience, family support, and post-traumatic growth are not just beneficial but essential to the healing of veterans. Conclusion: Nurses help veterans build resilience through support groups, family involvement, and emotional support. Future research should include longitudinal studies to understand the effects that apparent body injuries have on veterans over time.