Publication year
2016
Citation Title
Perceptions of individual and family functioning among deployed female national guard members
Journal Name
Journal of Family Nursing
Journal Volume
22
Issue Number
3
Page Numbers
419-434
DOI
10.1177/1074840716642791
Summary
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).
Key Findings
Deployed female Service members were shown to have considerably higher scores on PTSD and tended to report fewer healthy coping mechanisms than their non-deployed peers.
There is positive relationship between PTSD and depression symptoms in non-deployed Service members, indicating the higher one scored on PTSD diagnostic scale, the more likely one would have depression.
Results indicated that deployed Service members who reported higher parenting strain, were more likely to report lower family functioning and family hardiness.
Implications for Program Leaders
Offer workshops during deployment reintegration to help families and Service members adjust to the Service member’s return, especially when the deployment has included combat exposure
Enhance education, activities, and curriculum related to coping behaviors and dealing with PTSD symptoms
Provide education for all Service members that focus on emotion regulation and parenting, especially those with deployment history
Implications for Policy Makers
Encourage the development and continuation of programs that can promote resilience in Service members, their partners, and children
Recommend integrating parenting education into existing service delivery systems for military families
Endorse education for service providers around the possible effects of deployment on Service members’ families
Methods
Service members from National Guard units in four Midwestern states were recruited via email to participate in an internet-based survey.
Measures assessed individual, family, and deployment-related influences, such as mental health diagnoses (i.e., depression), family functioning, coping mechanisms (i.e., exercise, meditation), and parenting strain.
Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the impact of deployment on women and the relationships between PTSD/depression and family functioning, parenting strain, and family hardiness.
Participants
Participants were comprised of 239 female National Guard Service members from military units; 164 have been deployed at least once, whereas 75 have never been deployed.
Average age of participants was 34.8 years (SD = 10.3), where deployed Service members were older (37.5 years) compared to non-deployed (28.9 years).
Demographics showed 25.5% of deployed Service members were single or never married, compared to 35.5% non-deployed; both groups had an average of approximately two children.
There was no demographic data regarding race/ethnicity given in the article.
Limitations
The findings that were presented were incomplete, which included not explaining certain findings, and limits the readers’ ability to interpret results correctly.
The survey was presented to a select group of female National Guard Service members in a certain geographical area, which could limit the ability to generalize to the larger National Guard population.
Other variables (i.e., number of deployments, number of deployments in combat zones, if their partner was also deployed) were not tested and could have influenced the results not accounted for by the authors.
Avenues for Future Research
Explore the impact of deployment on the family and couple relationship when both partners are Service members
Survey a larger population of female National Guard Service members to gain results that are generalizable to the population
Examine family functioning and parenting strain during integration after combat-zone deployment
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Component
Abstract
Females currently make up 15% of U.S. military service members. Minimal attention has been paid to families of female National Guard members who have been deployed and their subsequent reintegration challenges. This cross-sectional Internet-based survey of female members of four National Guard units compared those who were and were not deployed. Instruments, guided by the variables of the Family Resilience Model, measured individual, family, and deployment-related factors. Bivariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression were done to assess differences between the groups. Of the 239 National Guard members surveyed, deployed women (n = 164) had significantly higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; p < .001) and lower coping skills (p = .003) than non-deployed women (n = 75). Perceptions of overall family functioning were higher among deployed when compared with never deployed women. Results indicate community interventions that focus on strengthening coping skills of female Guard members would be useful for this population.
Abstract Document
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