Perceptions of Individual and Family Functioning Among Deployed Female National Guard Members

An internet-based survey was used to examine the impact of deployment on 239 female National Guard Service members and their families. Results found that deployed female Service members reported significantly higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores and lower coping mechanisms (i.e., exercise, meditation) compared to female Service members who have never deployed. When compared with non-deployed female Service members, deployed female Service members reported of higher parenting strain, lower family functioning, and family hardiness (i.e., resilience).