https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Williams2022

Williams, L., Goubanova, E., & Morrow, R. (2022). Families of origin: The experience of parents of single military members. Military Behavioral Health, 10(2), 112-123. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2022.2067922

This study examined the experiences of parents who had a single (i.e., not married or in a common-law relationship) adult child in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) through focus groups and interviews. Parents discussed a variety of topics, including concerns about their child serving in the military, the parent-child relationship, and their experiences with military life. Overall, 3 themes emerged that highlighted parents’ varied emotions about their child joining the military as well as how they found support and adapted to military life.

https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2022.2067922

Parents

International Military

Active Duty

Parent of a service member or veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

Qualitative Study
Cross sectional study

Williams, Lisa, Goubanova, Elena, Morrow, LCol Robert

Enlisting in the military is a career choice that impacts the entire family unit. Many research studies have examined the effect of military life on spouses and children of military members; however little research to date has examined the experience of parents of adult children, especially for those of single Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Given that many military members are often younger and not yet in stable romantic relationships, parents are often a primary source of emotional and instrumental support. Building on military family research, the current study was conducted to gain a greater understanding of parents’ experiences upon the enlistment of their adult children and adjustment to their military career. Parents of single CAF members’ experiences were examined through a series of semi-structured interviews and focus groups in seven major Canadian cities. The study group consisted of 55 participants with a mean age of 56 years. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes across interviews and focus groups. Results suggest that parents often experience fear and worry over their children’s wellbeing, loss of control, and uncertainty. They strive to maintain connection to their adult children and provide emotional, instrumental, and financial support. Over time, many parents are able to develop increased resilience and adjustment to their children’s careers, in part due to the development of military connections, informal and formal support, and adaptive coping methods. The findings are discussed in relation to improving parental resilience and how the CAF may best support them.

Taylor & Francis

Article
REACH Publication

Department of National Defence (DND), Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA), LW
Department of National Defence (DND), Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA), EG
Department of National Defence (DND), Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA), RM