Adjusting to a Partners’ Changed Appearance Following Military Combat-Related Appearance-Altering Injuries: The Challenges of Looking “Different” and How Life Continues

Abstract

Combat-related physical injuries not only affect the individual but also close family members. Emerging evidence indicates that injuries that change appearance, such as limb loss and physical scarring, may create additional psychosocial challenges for the injured person and their family. However, to date the impact of appearance-altering combat injuries have not been explored among the partners of those who were injured. Using a qualitative individual interview design, this study aimed to gain experiential insights into the appearance-specific impact on the partners of military personnel who sustained appearance-altering injuries during deployments or training. Reflexive Thematic Analysis of interviews with 11 female partners identified two main themes “The challenges of looking different” and “How our life continues.” The themes reflect challenges experienced by the partners in relation to their injured partner looking “different” from societally accepted appearance ideals, and the impact this could have on their children. Yet, they had found ways for life to continue such as drawing on positive emotions, having gratitude, pride in their partner’s service, and normalizing difference for their children. While the partners found ways to adapt, this study draws attention to unmet needs for appearance-specific support.