This PhD thesis investigates the process of military-to-civilian transition among Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, with a particular emphasis on psychological adjustment and cultural reintegration to civilian life. The research includes a qualitative study of ADF members who have experienced transition as well as the development and evaluation of two psychometric measures - one assessing readiness for transition prior to separation from service, and the other evaluating post-separation adjustment and reintegration outcomes. The research additionally examines demographic and psychosocial risk factors of maladjustment using both cross-sectional and prospective methods. It also incorporates the development and preliminary evaluation of a manualised group program targeting psychological adjustment and cultural reintegration for separated military veterans. This research offers a step towards addressing the lack of available evidence-based assessment and intervention during transition in Australia - a period associated with an increased risk of suicide and mental illness for the veteran population.

Speaker: Madeline Romaniuk

Madeline has been a practicing clinical psychologist for the past 15 years with qualifications from UQ and QUT including a Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours), and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her clinical practice is focused on the assessment and treatment of current and former military veterans suffering PTSD, transition difficulties and associated comorbidities and she has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings in the area of veteran health. Madeline was an appointed member of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Veteran Mental Health and was invited to speak at the Suicide Prevention Symposium convened by the National Commissioner for Defence & Veteran Suicide Prevention as well as the recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.