In this module, you are required to develop an annotated bibliography of articles relevant to the research topic that you chose. As you read, note the journals in which your articles are published and discuss the following questions:
Research Question: How does participation in sports and recreational activities contribute to the physical and mental well-being of women veterans?
What are some of the most interesting and informative publications (i.e., journals)?
Are they published by a specific professional organization (e.g., National Recreation and Park Association; North American Society for Sport Management)?
Do they seem to be research-focused or practitioner-focused?
Theoretical Background: This research
question is grounded in several theoretical frameworks. Firstly, it aligns with
the biopsychosocial model of health, which suggests that health outcomes are
influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Participation in
sports and recreational activities can impact all three dimensions of health,
leading to improved overall well-being for women veterans. Additionally, the
transactional model of stress and coping provides a framework for understanding
how engagement in physical activities may serve as a coping mechanism for
managing stressors associated with military service and transition to civilian
life. Moreover, social cognitive theory highlights the importance of social
influences and self-efficacy in shaping health behaviors, suggesting that
participation in sports and recreational activities may be influenced by social
support networks and perceived confidence in one’s ability to engage in
physical activities.
Interest in the Topic: I am
particularly interested in examining the impact of sports and recreational
activities on the well-being of women veterans due to several reasons. Firstly,
there is a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by women veterans,
including higher rates of mental health disorders, experiences of military
sexual trauma, and difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare
services. According to Lunderberg et al. (2016), women veterans constitute
a growing and vital demographic within the military and veteran communities.
Women have been integral to the armed forces since the inception of the United
States military. Over the years, their role has evolved, with women now
participating in over 90% of all military occupations, including direct combat
operations. As their presence continues to increase, it is imperative to
recognize and address the unique challenges they face, including higher rates
of mental health disorders, experiences of military sexual trauma (MST), and
difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare services. Secondly, there is
a growing body of research suggesting the positive effects of physical activity
on mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). The incidence of MST among women in the military is
alarmingly high, with reports indicating that one in four women receiving
healthcare services in the Veterans Affairs System have experienced
MST. However, there is limited research specifically focusing on the
experiences of women veterans in this context. Therefore, exploring this topic
has the potential to inform interventions and programs aimed at improving the
health and well-being of this underserved population.
