The Extreme Level of Frustration: That’s What I Hear Most about Civilian Life

• In Event: 606 - Section on Social Psychology Roundtable Session (co-sponsored with Section on Sociology of Emotions)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 06. Social Support, Social Networks and Social Integration

Abstract

This study focuses on the importance of maintaining a larger societal aspect for understanding people’s experiences especially for those who are coming from a collective culture such as veterans. When various problems and difficulties among veterans are discussed, the micro perspective tends to be utilized such as their needs for counseling and physical therapy; however, the macro perspective is necessary to understand not only the issue of veterans’ reintegration of civilian life but also for well-being of any individuals who are facing difficulties in everyday life and people who are struggling to adjust in unfamiliar surroundings.
We argue that characteristics of military life resemble the characteristics of well-structured modern society and veterans’ difficulties of reentry into civilian life are partially due to their disorientation in postmodern society, which does not decipher a clear sense of direction. Individuals have to recognize that there is no foolproof value or choice anymore and to keep seeking their self-defined meaningful life and define how to achieve it. Those goals and methods may not be well recognized by others and that may lead to cognitive dissonance or otherwise may require individuals to check constantly and adjust their values. We came to the conclusion that incorporating the micro and macro perspectives and repeating the intellectually arduous task of self-examination on one’s values are the most concrete approaches that individuals can apply in facing with non-directionality in everyday life.

Authors

• Atsuko Kawakami, Tarleton State University

• Masako Suzuki, Regis University