A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis of Military-Connected Spousal Abuse Survivor Narratives

Abstract

Abstract Domestic abuse in the military context is studied worldwide; however, few studies explore the experience from the perspective of civilian survivor spouses. This qualitative interpretative meta-synthesis (QIMS) investigates how the survivors of military-connected spousal abuse (MCSA) conceptualise their identity. We conducted a QIMS of eight studies from the UK and USA. Developed by a social worker to expand understanding of a topic without exposing vulnerable populations to further risk, the QIMS method synthesises results from several qualitative studies into a new synergistic whole. Utilising Bronfenbrenner and Morris’s ecological model as an organizing framework, we identified one overarching theme with three supporting themes, best described by Meghan, an American Soldier’s wife: ‘Do the good little robot wife – keep your mouth shut, do what you’re told, or there’s consequences’. Our findings provide a compass for future social work research to include examining MCSA survivors’ distal identities and the impact of macrospheric narratives on identity formation. Understanding military-related domestic abuse from a survivor’s perspective also informs social work practice and military policy.