BLUF
The article argues that veterans’ post-war struggles may not be fully explained by PTSD alone. It proposes that some veterans experience ‘cognitive immobility’, remaining emotionally anchored to military life, causing alienation, distress and suicide risk.Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate between PTSD and cognitive immobility, and explain how each may affect veterans’ psychological adjustment after returning from military service.
- Analyse the concept of post-deployment alienation and evaluate its potential role in veteran wellbeing, social reintegration, and suicide risk.
- Assess how the theory of cognitive immobility can inform more effective support strategies for veterans and others experiencing major life transitions, loss, or displacement.
