Victims of Bravery (1): Impacts of Acts of Bravery on Australian Civilian Bravery Award Recipients

Authors

Tom Voigt, Geelong, AustraliaFollow
Angela Dew, Deakin University, AustraliaFollow
Susan Balandin, Deakin University, AustraliaFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

We admire those who perform acts of bravery involving physical risk and life-threatening trauma, yet little attention is given to civilians who experience negative consequences following such acts. This study examined unintended consequences through qualitative interviews with 24 Australian civilian bravery award recipients using constructivist grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: (1) Direct impacts, including high psychological distress, physical and health impacts, financial and employment consequences, and lack of formal counseling support; (2) Changes within, including hypervigilance, avoidance behaviours, anger, alcohol misuse, and social isolation; (3) Then and now, encompassing relationship difficulties, changed life approaches, and regret. Given the numerous negative consequences following acts of bravery, we propose the term: victims of bravery. The lack of appropriate early intervention or assistance in the aftermath of brave acts leads to inevitable but preventable mental health and well-being consequences.

DOI

10.26736/hs.2026.01.01

Recommended Citation

Voigt, Tom; Dew, Angela; and Balandin, Susan (2026) "Victims of Bravery (1): Impacts of Acts of Bravery on Australian Civilian Bravery Award Recipients," Heroism Science: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.26736/hs.2026.01.01
Available at: https://scholarship.richmond.edu/heroism-science/vol11/iss1/1