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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Across disciplines, research findings demonstrate that positive exposure to members of stigmatized groups is effective in reducing social stigma. This study explored differences in nursing students' psychological processes about people experiencing homelessness related to a community immersion intervention. Method: This descriptive exploratory study examined change from pre- to postintervention. Linguistic inquiry and word count explores affective psychological and social psychological processes of undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Results: Average word use for overall affective and social psychological processes showed significant difference postimmersion intervention. No significant difference was found between affective and social processes postimmersion intervention in relation to nursing students' gender, previous experience with people experiencing homelessness, or previous nursing experience working in an emergency care setting. Conclusion: Affective and social psychological processes had significant differences after an immersion event. This supports that a well-designed immersion experience can be effective in both graduate and undergraduate programs and across student characteristics. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(4):216–219.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with perinatal depression have an increased risk for breastfeeding cessation, yet few studies have explored their lived experience. In this qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of women (N = 10) who self-reported perinatal depression. Using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method of data analysis, five components were found to embody their lived experience of breastfeeding: (a) choosing selflessness, (b) harboring inadequacy, (c) deliberate persevering, (d) discerning meaning, and (e) cherishing intimacy. Findings contribute to understanding the experience of breastfeeding for this population and could provide guidance to improve lactation management and perinatal mental health education for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]