Healing together: A qualitative study of the lived experiences of disabled male Ukrainian soldiers and their families in a holistic family-based retreat

Introduction: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly increased the number of military families affected by physical and psychological disabilities, necessitating innovative approaches to rehabilitation that address both injured soldiers and their loved ones. Family-based, positive psychology interventions may provide a culturally sensitive alternative to traditional mental health services. Methods: This qualitative study was situated in an interpretivist paradigm, with a relativist ontology and subjective epistemology, to explore the experiences of 12 male Ukrainian disabled Veterans and their partners who participated in a retreat-style therapeutic camp based on Seligman’s PERMA model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes emerged: 1) disconnecting to reconnect as a family, 2) self-care and the role of emotions, and 3) seeing capabilities beyond (disabled) bodies. Participants expressed feelings of enhanced family communication, emotional processing, and renewed self-efficacy following the retreat. Discussion: Family-based retreat interventions grounded in positive psychology principles show promise in supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of disabled Veterans. Holistic programs addressing emotional, relational, and physical well-being could serve as an effective model for expanding community-based Veteran services in Ukraine and similar conflict-affected settings.