ISSN 2617-6858
e-ISSN 2617-6866
Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine
- organisational justice; agency; self-efficacy; identity continuity; social belonging; help-seeking; veteran-oriented support
- https://doi.org/10.33099/2617-6858-26-21-4-100-110
- Pages 100-110
The return of veterans to civilian life is a multidimensional process whose course depends on the nature of their interactions with medical, social, administrative, and professional institutions. Opaque procedures, conflicting requirements, prolonged waiting, dismissive communication, and insufficient coordination between institutions may increase psychological distress, reduce trust in the system, and limit the use of available support resources. The aim of the article was to provide a theoretical substantiation and systematisation of the psychological mechanisms underlying the impact of negative institutional experiences on the psychological, social, and professional reintegration of veterans, as well as to develop a corresponding conceptual model. The study was conducted as an integrative theoretical review using thematic analysis, conceptual synthesis, and theoretical modelling. Scientific publications selected from the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were analysed according to the forms of institutional interaction, characteristics of its subjective evaluation, psychological mechanisms, behavioural responses, consequences for reintegration, and protective factors. Within the structure of negative institutional experience, event-objective and subjective-evaluative aspects were distinguished, as well as structural, procedural, interpersonal, and symbolic levels. It was substantiated that the psychological significance of such experience is determined by perceptions of fairness, controllability, recognition, and fulfilment of institutional obligations. Its impact may be mediated by reduced institutional trust, emotional reactions to violations of fairness and obligations, decreased agency and self-efficacy, disruption of identity continuity, and a diminished sense of social belonging. Behavioural consequences may include help avoidance, passivity, conflict, social distancing, and failure to complete procedures, thereby limiting access to support resources. The practical value of the model lies in substantiating the need for transparent procedures, respectful communication, personalised navigation, continuous support, and interagency coordination as conditions for maintaining veterans’ trust, agency, and engagement with support systems
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