Publication year
2010
Citation Title
Adaptability and resiliency of military families during reunification: Initial results of a longitudinal study.
Journal Name
Federal Practitioner
Journal Volume
30
Issue Number
8
Page Numbers
18-27
DOI
NULL
Summary
Survey data of Army Active Duty Service members and spouses of Army Reserve members were used to identify factors associated with family problems before and after post-deployment reunion. Many spouses reported that their families were at risk for poor adaptation and requested mental and physical health services for their families.
Key Findings
Respondents requested more help for Service members and family members, including education about living with a family member with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Three months before reunion, approximately two-thirds of families were at risk for poor adaptation.
After reunion, 54-60% of families appeared at risk for poor adaptation.
The overall divorce rate for the couples was 8%.
Implications for Program Leaders
Offer classes for military spouses on how to support aService member who is living with PTSD
Offer family days in which recently returned Service members and their families can enjoy socializing and mutual support
Offer classes for Service members prior to homecoming, teaching skills in how to successfully re-enter family relationships at home
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support programs that address the unique challenges of Service members, their partners, and their children before and after deployment
Encourage training for professionals who work with military families regarding the possible challenges associated with reintegration
Promote reintegration programs that promote healthy family functioning for military families
Methods
Army Active Duty spouses were approached through Family Readiness Group meetings in Hawaii.
Army Reserve spouses were recruited through the U.S. Army Reserve website.
Spouses completed mail surveys at three months before and three, six, and twelve months after reunification with their spouse after a deployment.
Surveys assessed military variables, family resiliency and adaptability, communication skills, stressors, attachment, well-being, state-trait anxiety, and self-reliance.
Participants
Participants were 325 spouses of Army Active Duty Service members (99% female) and 130 spouses of Army Reserve members (94% female).
Active Duty spouses included: 60% White, 14% Black, 11% Latino, 11% Asian American, and 4% Native American.
Reserve spouses included: 85% White, 2% Black, 7% Asian American, and 6% Native American.
Limitations
The sample was geographically limited and so results may not generalize to families in other areas.
Those who chose to participate in the study may differ from those who did not in ways that could influence the results.
Individuals who dropped out of the study may differ from those who completed the study in important ways that may impact findings.
Avenues for Future Research
Evaluate an intervention for military families at risk for poor adaptation during reintegration
Follow these participants longitudinally to examine whether those predicted to adapt well or poorly actually follow that trajectory
Obtain information form the Service member and his or her spouse to compare perspectives of both partners
Focus
Army
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
After the initial "honeymoon" period, the family's readjustment to a service member's return from war can be difficult, especially when the war has had lasting effects on the service member. This study attempts to identify factors that increase or decrease the risk of family problems.
Abstract Document
PRTW Document
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