Publication year
2014
Citation Title
Predicting post-deployment family adaptation in U.S. Navy families.
Journal Name
International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies
Journal Volume
3
Issue Number
1
Page Numbers
32-41
DOI
10.14419/ijans.v3i1.2316
Summary
Researchers investigated predictors of postdeployment family adaptation including length of deployment, prior deployments, years married, number of children, participation in religious and family support groups, communication, race, and interdependence. Spouses of Navy Service members were surveyed, with results highlighting the role of perceived security in promoting healthy family functioning.
Key Findings
Higher levels of interdependence and feelings of security in the relationship among spouses of Navy Service members predicted higher levels of adaptation.
Spouses whose partners had a larger number of prior deployments experienced greater levels of post-deployment family adaptation than those with fewer deployments.
Military rank, length of deployment, years of marriage, number of children in the home, participation in religious activities, communication during deployment, and participation in family readiness groups was not associated with post-deployment family adaptation.
Implications for Program Leaders
Support interdependence and feelings of security in relationships within military families
Disseminate information regarding support services for military families prior to, during, and after deployment
Offer workshops during reintegration to help families and Service members adjust to the Service members return
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support services for military families during reintegration
Recommend screening for Service members for mental health issues that may affect interdependence and feelings of security in family relationships during reintegration
Recommend collaboration between DoD programs and community-based organizations that support military families throughout the deployment cycle to provide streamlines and continuous care
Methods
Spouses of Service members in the Navy (Rank: 45% enlisted, 55% officer) completed an online survey six weeks to 12 months following the return of a Service member from a deployment (which lasted six months or longer).
Participants were recruited via links on internet sites visited by military families and ads posted at a large southeastern university.
The survey included multiple choice and open-ended questions regarding family adaptation post-deployment.
Participants
One hundred forty-two Navy spouses participated.
The sample was comprised of mostly female (97%) and non-minority (89%) participants.
The majority of participants (30%) were married for between 6 to 11 years.
Limitations
This study focused on small sample of Navy spouses; hence, generalizability may be limited.
Participants may differ from non-participants in a way that was not measured, but affected the outcome variables (e.g., participants may be functioning better than non-participants).
The cross-sectional study limits inferences about causation.
Avenues for Future Research
Replicate this study in a larger, more demographically diverse sample
Utilize longitudinal data to explore the relationships among phases of the deployment cycle and family adaptation, including additional predictor variables such as frequency of communication, frequency of participation in family support groups, the age of children in the home, and educational level
Explore the effects of a Service member with a war-related physical or mental health disorder on adaptation during postdeployment
Focus
Navy
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
Background: Although military families worldwide face changes that include adapting to peace and wartime deployments, few studies have explored how military families adapt to the post-deployment return of a service member. Objectives: To identify variables that predicted post-deployment adaptation of U.S. Navy families. Methods: A mixed method study guided by the Roy Adaptation Model included a convenience sample of 142 spouses of service members recently returned from deployment. The degree to which length of deployment, prior deployments, and years married, number of children, participation in religious and family support groups, communication, race, and interdependence predicted post-deployment family adaptation was tested. Multiple regression analysis and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data to better understand post- deployment adaptation of military families. Results: Post-deployment family adaptation was significantly predicted by having been previously deployed and by scores measuring family interdependence. Content analysis of qualitative responses from 10 spouses indicated that 90% experienced integrated adaptive responses. Conclusions: Family interdependence and prior deployments predicted levels of post-deployment family adaptation. Families who 'give time' to adjust, communicate, and resume family routines experienced levels of adaptive response.
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