Identity

Sport and physical activity programs, including competitive sport programs, can help veterans to develop new, post-service and/or injury identities. ⁴⁹

Some research suggests that veterans who can combine a military and civilian or family social identity are more likely to feel a sense of belonging, and to have more successful transitions. This can include through involving their families or peers in their sport or physical activities. ^{25, 50, 51}

Challenges

For many participants a connection to, or restoration of, their previous military identity can be a positive factor, but for others it can be a source of stress. ^{25, 49, 50}

Studies of participants in competitive sports, including those participating in the Invictus Games, have found that there are many reasons for individuals to engage with these events, and this can lead to stressors such as: ^{45, 52}

• Conflicting goals (e.g. win at all costs vs experience and personal growth).
• Interpersonal issues (e.g. teammates acting superior or as if they are ‘in charge’).
• Different levels of support available to members of the same team (e.g. financial or media engagement).
• An increase of negative emotions such as anger and dejection and decrease in happiness and excitement in the build-up to or post-competition.

To provide the best outcomes for participants it is important to help veterans understand and manage potential negative effects, especially before, during, and after major events like the Invictus or Warrior Games. ^{52, 63}