Recreating valour: Exploring the life domains and quality of life impact among military re-enactors

Abstract

This study explored the effect on military re-enactors’ life domains and quality of life (QoL). Eight military re-enactors (female = 1, male = 7; age range 42–75 years) were interviewed before and after participating in a military re-enactment regarding the perceived impact of re-enactment on their personal life domains and QoL. Through thematic analysis, findings reveal that military re-enactment had a strong effect on participants’ life domains, specifically their social, recreational, and military heritage aspects. Moreover, military re-enactment increased the participants’ interest in military history by prompting them to research historical events, military equipment, and strategies related to their roles. Participants also developed a sense of camaraderie by forming close bonds with fellow military re-enactors through shared experiences and teamwork, while heritage preservation was fostered through their involvement in accurately portraying historical roles. Participants reported extensive mental preparation to portray historical figures, which not only fostered social connections and expanded social circles but also positively influenced leisure activities, albeit accompanied by financial challenges. Overall, these findings regarding military re-enactment participation suggest that enactment roles enhance QoL by providing personal fulfilment, emotional well-being, and a sense of accomplishment. These findings imply that participation in military re-enactments enhances QoL by fostering personal fulfilment, emotional well-being, and social connections, while also preserving historical heritage.