Exploring the role of social connectedness among military youth: Perceptions from youth, parents, and school personnel
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Mmari, K. N., Bradshaw, C. P., Sudhinaraset, M., & Blum, R. (2010). Exploring the role of social connectedness among military youth: Perceptions from youth, parents, and school personnel. Child & Youth Care Forum, 39(5), 351-366. doi:10.1007/s10566-010-9109-3
Abstract Created by REACH:
Moving between states or countries provides military youth with a unique experience during an important developmental stage for social connection. This study examined the experiences of adolescents at multiple bases via focus groups of military adolescents, parents, and school personnel. Results indicated a high amount of resilience among this population and some opportunities for support.
Focus:
Programming
Youth
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Reserve
Subject Affiliation:
Child of a service member or veteran
Military families
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Interview
Focus Group
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Mmari, Kristin N., Bradshaw, Catherine P., Sudhinaraset, May, Blum, Robert
Abstract:
The increased stress on military families during wartime can be particularly difficult for adolescents. The current study employed 11 focus groups with military youth, parents, and school personnel working with military youth to better understand how youth and their families cope with stressors faced as result of living in a military family. An inductive approach was used for data analysis, where two coders and the lead author coded the transcripts until saturation was achieved. Matrices and data display models were developed to make comparisons across participant groups. Findings revealed that military youth are most worried about making frequent moves and having a parent deployed. However, youth and their parents who had better social connections to each other, their peers, and their neighborhoods appeared to make better adjustments to these challenges. School personnel reported that more military families needed to become aware of the services offered to help families cope effectively. Implications for future research and intervention programs for military youth and their families are discussed.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Springer
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, KNM
Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,CPB
Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MS
Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, RB
Keywords:
adolescents, military families, mobility, parent deployment, social connectedness
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
Department of Defense Educational Activities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health through the Military Child Initiative
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grant Number: K01CE001333-01