Publication year
1985
Citation Title
A survey of adolescent military family members' self-image.
Journal Name
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Journal Volume
14
Issue Number
2
Page Numbers
99-107
DOI
10.1007/BF02098650
Summary
Survey data were used to asses differences in self-image between civilian and military adolescents. Adolescents in military families scored similar to or better than civilian adolescents on levels of self-image.
Key Findings
Military adolescents scored higher on measures of impulse control, emotional tone, body- and self-image, social relations, morals, and vocational-educational goals than civilian adolescents.
Family harmony and functioning did not differ between military and civilian adolescents.
Overall, female military adolescents scored higher on self-image scales than male military adolescents.
Implications for Program Leaders
Offer professional development opportunities for professionals who work with military families regarding strengths-based approaches to supporting youth identity development
Provide classes for military families about parent-child relationships and youth self-image
Compile and make available resource directories for military family members about mental health services for adolescents
Implications for Policy Makers
Recommend training for professionals who work with military families regarding healthy identity development and family relationships
Continue to support programs for adolescents in military families who are at risk for maladjustment
Recommend the development of training for military family members about self-esteem during adolescence
Methods
Military adolescents were recruited from adolescent medicine clinics at military medical centers in Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
Participants completed a questionnaire about self-image during the clinic visit.
Data from military adolescents were compared to standard scores for civilian adolescents.
Participants
Participants were 135 adolescents in military families between the ages of 13 and 18 years old.
Of the participants, 80% had a parent who was an officer.
Most of the participants (66%) were from Active Duty military families; 33% were from retired military families.
Limitations
The sample was of adolescents who were receiving services at military medical clinics. This group may differ from other military adolescents in important ways that may influence results.
With most of the participants from families of officers, these results may not extend to populations of adolescents who are primarily in families of enlisted Service members.
These data cannot support the idea that being affiliated with the military causes adolescents to have better self image. There are other factors that may differ between military and civilian families that contribute to these differences.
Avenues for Future Research
Use a longitudinal design to examine changes in military adolescents’ self-images over time
Recruit adolescents from schools or community centers
Include other measures known to be related to adolescents’ self-image such as parent-child communication and relationship quality
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire was administered to 135 adolescent military family members, ages 13 through 18. The data suggest that the usual demands placed on the military family do not deter the adolescent from developing a healthy self-image.
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