Civilian participants’ responses to veteran artwork: exploring empathy and understanding

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Military-to-civilian transition is complicated for U.S. veterans when civilians lack detailed knowledge of their experiences and military culture. Aims The purpose of this research was to: (1) examine the experiences of a group of civilian participants who viewed a veteran art exhibition and engaged in responsive art making, and (2) to identify participants understanding of military service and the veteran experience may shift as a result of participation in study activities. Methods Case study research was used to examine the experiences of a group of civilian participants who engaged in a workshop that involved viewing veteran artwork and making response art. Data were collected through surveys, participant artwork and written responses, and researcher observation. Case studies were presented using thick description with interpretive and linked narratives to interpret the results. Results Participant experiences demonstrated that the pilot study interventions promoted four outcomes: (1) authentic and meaningful exchanges and engagement with veterans (2) challenged to think about veterans’ experiences more deeply, (3) inspired to show support for people who have served in the military in new ways, and (4) promoted empathy and understanding. Conclusions Results illustrate how active participation in an art exhibition through response art making can help to increase understanding of people with different lived experiences by promoting authentic and meaningful exchanges through art. Implications for practice/policy/future research Interdisciplinary partnerships between art therapists and museum professionals can support the development of programming that bridges divides between groups with different lived experiences and prompts social change through participatory action. Plain-language summary Civilian citizens often lack a complete understanding of veteran experiences and military culture. A civilian citizen is a person who has not serve in the armed forces, and therefore may hold stereotypical beliefs or limited knowledge about veteran experiences. Misunderstandings and assumptions between civilian citizens and veterans can result in a cultural gap, often referred to as the military-civilian divide. This divide can impact the amount and quality of social support veterans receive from civilian citizens as they transition from the military back to civilian life. Poor social support may increase veterans’ risk for mental health issues. Therefore, there is a need for increased understanding of veteran experiences. Public spaces, like art museums, can help veteran experiences to be seen and heard by the larger civilian population. This study explores the experiences of a group of civilian citizens who participated in a workshop. The group of civilian participants viewed a veteran art exhibition and then engaged in making response art. Response art is a tool commonly used in the field of art therapy to express and share complex or difficult experiences. Participants also completed three surveys where they were asked questions about their understanding of veteran experiences. A review of participants survey answers and written responses showed how viewing and creating art promoted personal exchanges veterans, challenged participants to think about veterans’ experiences more deeply, inspired participants to show support for people who have served in the military in new ways, and promoted empathy and understanding. These outcomes show how art can be used to increase understanding across groups with different lived experiences.