Degree Date

12-2025

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Sandra Zakowski

Second Advisor

Dr. Leah Horvath

Third Advisor

Dr. Aaron Keating

Abstract

This study explored the experiences and perspectives of U.S. military veterans who served in Afghanistan regarding their views on the impacts of withdrawal from Afghanistan. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study explored the effects of the immediate and unexpected withdrawal from Afghanistan as it pertains to military veterans' perspectives on the purpose, value, and meaning of their previous military service, and the service of future generations. The study included 10 participants who had previously served at least one deployment to Afghanistan; each participated in a semi-structured interview via phone call, Zoom meeting, or in-person. The interview included 10 demographic questions and 11 open ended survey questions with options for follow up. Participants were prompted to answer as much or as little as they were comfortable with. The findings revealed five overarching themes: Feelings of Pride, Experiences of Moral Injury, Questioning the Government, Civilian Lack of Understanding, and Calls to Action. Feelings of pride were reported regarding humanitarian efforts during deployments, defending the nation, and perceptions of military service previous to the Afghanistan withdrawal. Experiences of moral injury were reported regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan being viewed as an act of omission and betrayal trauma. Questioning the government was reported regarding its motives for military presence in Afghanistan, as well as its motives for the way the withdrawal was carried out. Civilian lack of understanding was reported regarding public perception and media representation of the military and veteran experience being inaccurate. Calls to action were made to encourage civilians to be more involved with the veteran experience and military actions when possible. The study demonstrated that military veterans who served in Afghanistan have had significant and negative reactions to the August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. This research emphasizes the need for increased understanding of and attention to the experiences of military veterans who often feel unheard and misunderstood.

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