My Dog, My Hero: Assessing the Feasibility of a Cross-Generational Digital Storytelling Intervention for Veterans

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation had a devastating effect on well-being. Veterans were among the most vulnerable given their high rates of military trauma-related conditions. Research supports that dogs can provide veterans with a sense of purpose, social support, and stress management. Digital storytelling provided a unique perspective with focus on a recognized hero, the veteran’s dog, and an opportunity for engagement with other veterans during COVID-19. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of this digital storytelling intervention based on Story Theory framework and tailored to encompass components of cross-generational collaboration in combination with individual and group virtual sessions as a mechanism to promote social engagement. The research was conducted using a descriptive exploratory design. Veterans (N = 8) were paired with a trained student and grouped in sets of four. There were eight guided 1-hour weekly virtual sessions to create their digital story. Demographic and pre-post intervention survey data were also collected. Based on eight established criteria, this article systematically evaluates the feasibility of the digital storytelling intervention for veterans. The findings suggest practical considerations to ensure viability of digital storytelling as a therapeutic intervention for veterans and other populations at-risk for suboptimal well-being.

Acknowledgements

We thank the veterans who generously gave of their time to participate in this study. The use of REDCap® in this study was supported by NIH/NCATS Colorado CTSA Grant Number UL1 TR002535. Its contents are the authors’ sole responsibility and do not necessarily represent official NIH views.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing under the Project-Based Faculty and Staff Strategic Excellence Award.