Playing for Freedom: A Phenomenological Exploration Into Team Sports’ Perceived Influence on PTSD Symptoms in Military Veterans
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Playing for Freedom: A Phenomenological Exploration Into Team Sports’ Perceived Influence on PTSD Symptoms in Military Veterans

Ward, Jeffrey M.
Journal of Veterans Studies 2026 Vol. 12 pp. (1):36-54
8
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Abstract

Guided by social cognitive theory, this qualitative study examines how participation in team sports shape PTSD symptoms and psychological well-being among military veterans. Using phenomenological interviews with eight veterans actively engaged in team sports, this study explored shifts in perceptions of PTSD and recovery. Findings indicate benefits veterans described as lifesaving, including attenuation of suicidal ideation, stronger peer support, and renewed identity and purpose. Team participation fostered a sense of belonging, structure, and accountability, which veterans linked to increased resilience and motivation to reengage with family, work, and community. The results suggest that team sports can function as a practical, community-based component of veteran care, complementing clinical services while remaining accessible and low-cost. Implications include designing inclusive programs that prioritize psychological safety, trust, and peer leadership, with routine assessment of engagement and perceived outcomes. This study contributes to veteran studies by foregrounding team sport as a structured, nonclinical intervention and by offering evidence to guide sport managers and support providers seeking to integrate sport with holistic models of care.

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DOI:
10.21061/jvs.v12i1.814
URL:
https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v12i1.814

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ID: 283803
Ref Key: m.2026playing
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