Research has established that partners of veterans who isolate socially as a result of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are socially impacted. It is not known how partners
cope with their own social isolation while maintaining their commitment to their veteran;
this information is needed for professionals to understand their mental health needs.
Weiss’ theory of the syndrome of loneliness was used in this transcendental
phenomenological research study investigating social experiences in 10 female
participants drawn from social media groups. Qualitative e-mail interviews were used to
establish how participants socialized as well as what professional and supportive services
they might consider beneficial. The experiences of the participants produced the textural
and structural descriptions that established salient themes. Data were coded and analyzed
to identify patterns that emerged from the experiences of the participants. The primary
themes that emerged included that the women had established deep commitments to their
veterans. The phenomenon of social isolation was found in all participants. Participants’
perception of the social stigma of PTSD resulted in social withdrawal and a greater
dependency on social media. None of the participants had sought professional or
supportive services. Professional and support services could consider using social media
to reach partners of veterans who communicate online, given that these individuals may
not seek help themselves. This research can be used to create social change by
encouraging providers to ask about social isolation in the partners of veterans with PTSD
and in helping the partners of those veterans to reach out for assistance and support.