University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Student service member and veteran transition to higher education: A scoping review

Wilcher, Kortney

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122266

Description

Title
Student service member and veteran transition to higher education: A scoping review
Author(s)
Wilcher, Kortney
Issue Date
2023-12-05
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Chiu, Chung-Yi
Committee Member(s)
Lotspeich-Yadao, Michael
Department of Study
Kinesiology & Community Health
Discipline
Community Health
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
  • student service member
  • student veteran
  • higher education
  • transition
  • review
Abstract
As student service members and veteran (SSM/V) enrollment increases, it is important for campuses to respond to diverse population needs. SSM/V may enter higher education with service-connected disabilities, mental health concerns, financial burdens, and social adjustment challenges. A theory-driven scoping review was conducted to investigate what is known in the literature about SSM/V transition from the military to higher education post-OEF conflict. Two additional questions were considered: 1) “To what extent and which theory components are studied in the literature?” and 2) “What measures are used in the full-text reviewed studies?” Authors conducted a search across 5 databases (Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, ERIC, Scopus, and PsychINFO). Seventy-five eligible articles covered SSMV’s transition experiences, psychosocial factors, and environmental influences. An integrated theoretical framework using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory guided a thematic analysis of the search results. Three overarching themes emerged: Demographic, Health, and Psychosocial Factors; Interpersonal and Institutional Supports; and Academic Transition Experiences and Outcomes. Significant insights included the importance of veteran resource centers, social support networks (e.g., faculty, civilian peers, and SSM/V peers) and the impact of psychosocial factors (e.g., self-efficacy) on transition experiences (e.g., adjustment). The authors provide practical implications and recommendations for supporting SSM/V transition from the military to higher education.
Graduation Semester
2023-12
Type of Resource
Thesis
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Kortney Wilcher

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