In response to a request from the Defense-State Liaison Office, Military Community & Family Policy, Department of Defense, the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State conducted a literature review on military-connected children’s educational success. The purpose was to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the research literature. This review includes publications related to dependent children of active duty and reserve component Service members in kindergarten through 12th grade general education and special education. Furthermore, this review includes information on military-connected students’ outcomes related to academic performance, social-emotional development, and mental health. The information for this literature review was drawn from academic journals, government reports, and nongovernment reports. Two-hundred ten publications, spanning January 2002 to April 2022, were identified for this review. Table ES.1 outlines risk and protective/promotive factors that were identified in the quantitative and qualitative literature.
Search Results
Library (16)
Showing library results for: April 2022
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1 Military-connected students' educational success
Military-connected students' educational success
APA Citation:
Karre, J. K., & Perkins, D. F. (2022). Military-connected students’ educational success. Clearninghouse For Military Family Readiness. Penn State. https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/clearinghouse_military-connected-students-educational-success_20220721.pdf
Focus:
Children
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Reserve
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
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Research and Technical Reports
Karre, Jennifer K.; Perkins, Daniel F.
2022
2 Opioid-related trends in active duty service members during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Opioid-related trends in active duty service members during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
APA Citation:
Sorensen, I. S., Susi, A., Andreason, P., Hisle-Gorman, E., Jannace, K. C., Krishnamurthy, J., Chokshi, B., Dorr, M., Wolfgang, A. S., & Nylund, C. M. (2023). Opioid-related trends in active duty service members during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Military Medicine, 188(Supplement_6), 567-574. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad245
Focus:
Substance use
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Sorensen, Ian S.; Susi, Apryl; Andreason, Paul; Hisle-Gorman, Elizabeth; Jannace, Kalyn C.; Krishnamurthy, Jayasree; Chokshi, Binny; Dorr, Madeline; Wolfgang, Aaron S.; Nylund, Cade M.
2023
The USA is experiencing an opioid epidemic. Active duty service members (ADSMs) are at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD). The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health care and introduced additional stressors.The Military Healthcare System Data Repository was used to evaluate changes in diagnosis of OUD, medications for OUD (MOUD), opioid overdose (OD), and opioid rescue medication. ADSMs ages 18-45 years enrolled in the Military Healthcare System between February 2019 and April 2022 were included. Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software calculated the average monthly percent change over the study period, whereas Poisson regression compared outcomes over three COVID-19 periods: Pre-lockdown (pre-COVID-19 period 0) (February 2019-February 2020), early pandemic until ADSM vaccination initiation (COVID-19 period 1 [CP1]) (March 2020-November 2020), and late pandemic post-vaccination initiation (COVID-19 period 2 [CP2]) (December 2020-April 2022).A total of 1.86 million eligible ADSMs received care over the study period. Diagnoses of OUD decreased 1.4% monthly, MOUD decreased 0.6% monthly, diagnoses of opioid OD did not change, and opioid rescue medication increased 8.5% monthly.Diagnoses of OUD decreased in both COVID-19 time periods: CP1 and CP2: Rate ratio (RR) = 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68-0.79) and RR = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67-0.76), respectively. MOUD decreased in both CP1 and CP2: RR = 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68-0.88) and RR = 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96), respectively. Adjusted rates for diagnoses of opioid OD did not vary in either COVID-19 time period. Opioid rescue medication prescriptions increased in CP1 and CP2: RR = 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02-1.15) and RR = 6.02 (95% CI, 5.77-6.28), respectively.Rates of OUD and MOUD decreased, whereas rates of opioid rescue medication increased during the study period. Opioid OD rates did not significantly change in this study. Changes in the DoD policy may be affecting rates with greater effect than COVID-19 pandemic effects.
3 Family planning in the U.S. military: The gendered experiences of servicewomen
Family planning in the U.S. military: The gendered experiences of servicewomen
APA Citation:
Erwin, S. K. (2022). Family planning in the U.S. military: The gendered experiences of servicewomen. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 8(1), 102-109. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2021-0015
Focus:
Children
Couples
Parents
Other
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Erwin, Stephanie K.
2022
LAY SUMMARY Balancing family and work is always challenging for working women; however, military service presents especially nuanced and unique challenges to women serving in the U.S. military. Family planning, and in particular marriage and children, have distinct impacts on servicewomen’s professional careers. Their chosen professions often intersect and detract from their family planning choices. Within a larger study of gendered experiences, women from all four branches of the U.S. military, representing a variety of familial statuses and occupations, noted the complex and challenging intersections of family and work they encountered over the course of their military careers. As in other professions, military women bear disproportionate familial burdens compared with their male counterparts, and challenges pertaining to marriage and children regularly affect their professional careers. However, the military presents heightened professional demands on family planning, including marital status, marital partners’ professions, pregnancy, maternity, and parenthood. These additional challenges women in the military face regarding family planning often run counter to organizational efforts to encourage women’s participation, promotion, and retention in the military.
Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups
APA Citation:
Balmer, B. R., Sippola, J., & Beehler, S. (2021). Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community-based support groups. Journal of Community Psychology, 49(7), 2764-2780. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22516
Focus:
Veterans
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Balmer, B. R.; Sippola, John; Beehler, Sarah
2021
Veterans often experience challenges related to processing traumatic experiences and community reintegration, yet there is a dearth of research on promising community-driven approaches. This paper describes core processes and outcomes of Vets & Friends (V&F), a community-based support program that promotes veteran reintegration by healing trauma and moral injury using a communalization of trauma (CoT) approach. We conducted focus groups with 23 V&F group members. A mix of inductive and deductive codes were generated during thematic analysis. Critical themes identified included processes such as sharing narratives, connecting emotionally with experiences, feeling heard and accepted by group members, and listening as others shared their experiences. Outcomes included restoration of trust, connection with group members, building skills to manage trauma, and community acceptance and engagement. V&F shows promise in meeting veteran-specific needs by employing CoT approaches that offer opportunities to restore community trust and acceptance.
5 Exploring the advocacy experiences of military families with children who have disabilities
Exploring the advocacy experiences of military families with children who have disabilities
APA Citation:
Aleman-Tovar, J., Schraml-Block, K., DiPietro-Wells, R., & Burke, M. (2022). Exploring the advocacy experiences of military families with children who have disabilities. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 31(3), 843 – 853. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02161-5
Focus:
Children
Parents
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Aleman-Tovar, Janeth; Schraml-Block, Kristen; DiPietro-Wells, Robyn; Burke, Meghan
2022
When children with disabilities receive appropriate services, they experience long-term developmental benefits. Yet, military families of children with disabilities in the United States report lacking access to needed services and having difficulty navigating service delivery systems. Unlike civilian families, military families face added stressors such as deployment and relocation. Parent advocacy may be critical for military families of children with disabilities to access needed services. However, little research has explored advocacy among military families. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the advocacy experiences of military families of children with disabilities. Using a snowballing sampling, we conducted individual interviews with 11 military parents of children with disabilities from five states. Participants reported unique military experiences (e.g., satisfaction with the coverage of their healthcare program but had difficulty navigating healthcare policies), barriers to advocacy (e.g., limited school resources), and facilitators to advocacy (e.g., perseverance and resilience). Based on the findings, implications for practice and research are discussed.
Accepting influence in military couples: Implications for couples’ communication and family satisfaction
APA Citation:
Peterson, C., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2022). Accepting influence in military couples: Implications for couples’ communication and family satisfaction. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 48(4), 1075-1094. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12574
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Peterson, Clairee; Lucier-Greer, Mallory
2022
In popular relationship resources, accepting influence is regarded as a couple-level process vital for relational satisfaction. However, empirical research has demonstrated inconsistent evidence for these suppositions, with several studies identifying no associations between accepting influence and relationship outcomes, and, furthermore, several gaps in the literature remain with regard to our knowledge on accepting influence (e.g., little identified research on military couples or family outcomes). To address these gaps, a measure of perceptions of one's partner accepting influence was retrospectively created to examine accepting influence in Army couples (N = 244). With theoretical underpinnings from family systems theory, this study used an actor-partner interdependence approach to investigate the associations between partners’ accepting influence and couple communication satisfaction and satisfaction with the family. Service members’ perceptions of their partners’ accepting influence were associated with their own outcomes, whereas civilian spouses’ perceptions of partners’ accepting influence were related to both partners’ outcomes. Results suggest accepting influence may be an intervention point to improve couple and family outcomes.
An online acceptance and mindfulness intervention for chronic pain in veterans: Development and protocol for a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial
APA Citation:
Reilly, E. D., Kathawalla, U.-K., Robins, H. E., Heapy, A. A., Hogan, T. P., Waring, M. E., Quigley, K. S., Drebing, C. E., Bickmore, T., Volonte, M., & Kelly, M. M. (2023). An online acceptance and mindfulness intervention for chronic pain in veterans: Development and protocol for a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 12(1), Article e45887. https://doi.org/10.2196/45887
Focus:
Physical health
Mental health
Veterans
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Reilly, Erin D.; Kathawalla, Ummul-Kiram; Robins, Hannah E.; Heapy, Alicia A.; Hogan, Timothy P.; Waring, Molly E.; Quigley, Karen S.; Drebing, Charles E.; Bickmore, Timothy; Volonte, Matias; Kelly, Megan M.
2023
Background: In the veteran community, chronic pain is particularly prevalent and often debilitating. Until recently, veterans with chronic pain were offered primarily pharmacological intervention options, which rarely suffice and can also have negative health consequences. To better address chronic pain in veterans, the Veterans Health Administration has invested in novel, nonpharmacological behavior interventions that target both pain management and chronic pain–related functional issues. One approach, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain, is supported by decades of efficacy evidence for improving pain outcomes; however, ACT can be difficult to obtain owing to issues such as a lack of trained therapists or veterans having difficulty committing to the time and resources needed for the full clinician-led ACT protocol. Given the strong ACT evidence base combined with access limitations, we set out to develop and evaluate Veteran ACT for Chronic Pain (VACT-CP), an online program guided by an embodied conversational agent to improve pain management and functioning. Objective: The aims of this study are to develop, iteratively refine, and then conduct a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a VACT-CP group (n=20) versus a waitlist and treatment-as-usual control group (n=20). Methods: This research project includes 3 phases. In phase 1, our research team consulted with pain and virtual care experts, developed the preliminary VACT-CP online program, and conducted interviews with providers to obtain their feedback on the intervention. In phase 2, we incorporated feedback from phase 1 into the VACT-CP program and completed initial usability testing with veterans with chronic pain. In phase 3, we are conducting a small pilot feasibility RCT, with the primary outcome being assessment of usability of the VACT-CP system. Results: This study is currently in phase 3; recruitment for the RCT began in April 2022 and is expected to continue through April 2023. Data collection is expected to be completed by October 2023, with full data analysis completed by late 2023. Conclusions: The findings from this research project will provide information on the usability of the VACT-CP intervention, as well as secondary outcomes related to treatment satisfaction, pain outcomes (pain-related daily functioning and pain severity), ACT processes (pain acceptance, behavioral avoidance, and valued living), and mental and physical functioning. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03655132; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03655132
8 The influence of romantic relationships in assessment of suicide risk in U.S. Army soldiers
The influence of romantic relationships in assessment of suicide risk in U.S. Army soldiers
APA Citation:
Chalker, S. A., Khalifian, C. E., Milano, R., Dende, J., & Jobes, D. A. (2022). The influence of romantic relationships in assessment of suicide risk in U.S. Army Soldiers. Military Psychology, 34(5), 622-628. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2028532
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Chalker, Samantha A.; Khalifian, Chandra E.; Milano, Robert; Dende, Jacqueline; Jobes, David A.
2022
Even though suicide theories highlight the importance of interpersonal connection, little is known about how romantic relationships impact suicide risk among military personal seeking treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Data were drawn from active-duty U.S. Soldier participants with suicidal ideation engaged in a suicide-focused treatment – the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). This exploratory study used a mixed-methods approach to examine two aims: (a) frequencies in which romantic relationships were endorsed in the context of the initial the Suicide Status Form (SSF; the multipurpose clinical tool used in CAMS) and (b) if having endorsed romantic relationships were implicated in their suicidal thoughts and self-inflicted injuries regardless of intent (i.e., non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts). We found that 76% of participants mentioned a romantic partner in at least one qualitative assessment item on the SSF. More specifically, 22.6% identified their romantic relationship as a reason for living or a reason for dying, and half of those participants indicated that their romantic relationship was both a reason for living and dying. Soldier participants who identified a current romantic relationship problem, were significantly more likely to have made a self-inflicted injury regardless of intent in their lifetime. Overall, suicidal thoughts and behaviors are intertwined with romantic relationship dynamics, and suicide-focused interventions may benefit from directly addressing these relationship issues with active-duty Soldiers.
“Knock on the door” – Exploration of casualty notification and the long-term impact on military families in the UK
APA Citation:
McGill, G., Wilson-Menzfeld, G., Moreland, M., & Kiernan, M. D. (2022). “Knock on the door” - Exploration of casualty notification and the long-term impact on military families in the UK. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 27(6), 547-564. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2021.2009264
Focus:
Other
Mental health
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
McGill, Gill; Wilson-Menzfeld, Gemma; Moreland, Mary; Kiernan, Matthew Donal
2022
Receiving the news following death in service is widely referred to among the Armed Forces population as the “knock on the door”. This research uniquely considered how casualty notification is undertaken when reporting the death of a member of the UK Armed Forces and the impact of this on the family and/or significant other. For this study, 15 individuals (spouses, parents, and children) participated in semi-structured interviews and this data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Many participants could not remember what they were told and could not remember who told them. In particular, misunderstanding and confusion arose about the roles and responsibilities of the notification officers as well as responsibility for informing other family members, including children. Media intrusion was also highlighted as a significant issue. Results also indicated that the long-term impact of loss affected participants in a variety of ways—from dealing with unexpected “triggers” to an accumulation of feelings of regret, uncertainty, and guilt resulting in a loss of control. The impact on physical and mental health is problematic without support to address this. Results also indicated a lack of access to psychological support for bereaved adults and for young children. The study findings illustrated key issues with the notification itself, short-term procedures and provisions, and the long-term impact. However, these were diverse, multi-faceted issues across the cohort and were not homogenous. Fundamentally, the information and support provided when delivering the notification of death needs to be re-addressed, as well as the longer-term support provided for bereaved families.
10 Food insecurity among active-duty soldiers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Food insecurity among active-duty soldiers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic
APA Citation:
Rabbitt, M. P., Beymer, M. R., Reagan, J. J., Jarvis, B. P., & Watkins, E. Y. (2022). Food insecurity among active duty soldiers and their families during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Public Health Nutrition, 25(8), 2329-2336. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980022000192
Focus:
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Rabbitt, Matthew; Beymer, Matthew; Reagan, Joanna; Jarvis, Brantley; Watkins, Eren
2022
Objective We examined the determinants of food insecurity among active duty Army households that transitioned into food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design We compared Army households that recently transitioned into marginal food insecurity with those households that remained highly food secure (n = 2,832) to better understand how these households differ in their resilience to food insecurity during economic downturns using data from a military installation in the United States in 2020. Setting A U.S. military installation in the United States. Participants Active duty U.S Army soldiers. Results Prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of marginal food insecurity among Army households was similar to that reported for households in the general population. Marginal food insecurity among Army households increased over 1.5-fold—from 19 percent to 33 percent—with the onset of the pandemic. Relative to Army households with consistently high food security, the Army households that transitioned into marginal food insecurity after the onset of the pandemic were more likely to report concerns about financial insecurity and the job security of their family members. Conclusions Army households, like their civilian counterparts, are vulnerable to food insecurity because of instability in their income during periods of economic uncertainty. Periods of economic uncertainty are more common for Army households because of the frequent relocations associated with military service which could lead to predictable periodic spikes in their food insecurity.
11 Defeated no more: Meaning-making after military sexual trauma
Defeated no more: Meaning-making after military sexual trauma
APA Citation:
Preston, A. M., Saigal, S., Barrie, R., McKinney, H., Mooney, S., & Padala, P. R. (2022). Defeated no more: Meaning-making after military sexual trauma. Military Medicine, usab528. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab528
Focus:
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Preston, A’mie M.; Saigal, Seema; Barrie, Rabiatu; McKinney, Hannah; Mooney, Scott; Padala, Prasad R.
2022
Military sexual trauma (MST) has been a concern within our U.S. military for many years. Many interventions have been found to benefit this population, although meaning-based interventions are still lacking in this area. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the meaning-making process and themes that arise for female military veterans as they narrate their experience(s) of MST.The qualitative study consisted of six female participants, from different areas across the nation, who all reported experiencing MST during their time in service. Their experiences of MST included both sexual harassment and sexual assault. Participants completed a semi-structured interview that was analyzed using an axial coding method to discover the major themes of each participant’s interview. The participants discussed the positive and negative aspects of their journey following their MST experience(s). This study’s procedures were approved by Adler University’s Institutional Review Board.Many found the interview to be a healing experience on their path of post-traumatic growth (PTG). There were eight major themes that arose from the data analysis under the three main domains of (1) creating a work or doing a deed, (2) experiencing something or encountering someone in a way to produce PTG, and (3) altering one’s attitude toward unavoidable suffering. The eight themes were as follows: advocacy, adaptive coping, sense of family unit, psychological clarity, meaningful mantra, survivor mentality code, view of self in the world, and resiliency.All participants endorsed engagement in some type of activity that fell into one of the three major domains identified above. This finding helped highlight the PTG that participants were able to experience through their meaning-making journey. There were several recommendations and study implications that were derived from this research study. With the themes introduced from this study, future treatment planning for individual survivors of MST can be better informed by the utilization of meaning-making techniques. Family and group meaning-based interventions would also be an area of continued exploration for this population. Future implications for practice are also included within this article. Significant limitations of the study include amount of participants, lack of diversity in sample population, qualitative study results, and lack of a more-personal interviewing process.
What predicts personal growth following a deployment? An examination of National Guard soldiers through the lens of posttraumatic growth
APA Citation:
Farero, A. M., Blow, A. J., Bowles, R. P., Gorman Ufer, L., Kees, M., & Guty, D. (2021). What predicts personal growth following a deployment? An examination of National Guard soldiers through the lens of posttraumatic growth. Military Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2021.2002105
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Farero, Adam M.; Blow, Adrian J.; Bowles, Ryan P.; Ufer, Lisa; Kees, Michelle; Guty, Danielle
2021
National Guard soldiers experience unique reintegration challenges. In addition to managing the consequences of combat-related trauma, they also navigate multiple transitions between military and civilian life. Despite these obstacles, many soldiers report positive outcomes and personal growth due to deployment, a phenomenon most commonly referred to in the literature as posttraumatic growth (PTG). The current study explored PTG in National Guard soldiers using a multidimensional longitudinal approach, with the goal of validating reports of PTG in soldiers. Data were collected from National Guard soldiers at pre-deployment, reintegration, one year post-deployment and two years post-deployment. Informed by PTG theory, three PTG constructs were measured (perceived ability to handle stress, social support seeking, and purpose in life) at each of the four time points, with increases in these constructs indicating growth. Potential predictors of growth in these PTG constructs were also explored. Results from a repeated measure latent profile analysis indicated that PTG did occur in certain soldiers, and that higher optimism and less severe PTSD symptoms predict this growth. These findings emphasize the importance of making efforts to facilitate PTG in soldiers.
13 Military couples' experiences in the aftermath of a cancelled deployment
Military couples' experiences in the aftermath of a cancelled deployment
APA Citation:
Marini, C. M., Basinger, E. D., Monk, J. K., McCall, C. E., & MacDermid Wadsworth, S. M. (2022). Military couples’ experiences in the aftermath of a cancelled deployment. Family Process, 61(4), 1577-1592. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12747
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Marini, Christina M.; Basinger, Erin D.; Monk, James K.; McCall, Christine E.; MacDermid Wadsworth, Shelley M.
2022
Deployment requires considerable preparation for military families and changes to these plans may create notable stress. The current study leveraged data from a sample of military couples who experienced the cancellation of an overseas deployment to learn more about their experiences as they adjusted to this change. Guided by family stress and anticipatory stress perspectives, we analyzed qualitative data from 28 service members and their significant others (i.e., spouses or cohabitating partners) to understand their overall reactions to the deployment cancellation. We identified three overall reactions (positive, negative, and ambivalent) that were based on participants' appraisals of-and preparations for-deployment, as well as ambiguity about family roles and relationships. Further, participants across groups experienced uncertainty about whether or not the deployment would occur, and altered timelines for other life events. Together, our findings highlight the post-cancellation period as a significant time of stress and transition for military families. However, our findings also signify the need to help all military families cope with uncertainty about when or if deployments will occur given that the military's priorities are often in flux. We therefore describe coping efforts that may be particularly adaptive for families to engage in as they prepare for uncertain, anticipated stressors.
14 Exploring greater rates of breastfeeding among civilian military wives
Exploring greater rates of breastfeeding among civilian military wives
APA Citation:
Ringo, N., & Gephart, S. M. (2022). Exploring greater rates of breastfeeding among civilian military wives. Nursing for Women’s Health, 26(1), 10–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2021.11.003
Focus:
Parents
Children
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Ringo, Nicole; Gephart, Sheila M.
2022
Objective To explore factors contributing to the greater rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration among civilian military wives (e.g., legally married to an active-duty spouse) and to determine what might be learned from these factors for intervention design for the broader population of women in the postpartum period. Design The study was conducted online using a concurrent mixed-methods design. Setting National and International U.S. military bases. Participants The sample consisted of 28 civilian military wives whose ages ranged from 18 to 45 years. Interventions/Measurements The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form and semistructured interviews. Results Breastfeeding self-efficacy was high among civilian military wives. Seven main themes with 16 subthemes emerged from the descriptions of the semistructured interviews. The results of the integrative analysis showed that factors within the military environment influence a sense of community and that there were supportive and pro-breastfeeding health care facilitators (especially lactation consultants). Conclusion Civilian military wives described breastfeeding facilitators who they believed promote their greater rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation, quantified their high level of breastfeeding self-efficacy, and identified descriptive factors that contributed to both areas, topics that are lacking in the literature among this population.
Neurocognitive performance predicts future partner violence among U.S. Iraq- and Afghanistan-deployed Army soldiers and veterans
APA Citation:
Chiu, C., Gnall, K., Pless Kaiser, A., Taft, C. T., Franz, M. R., Lee, L. O., & Vasterling, J. J. (2022). Neurocognitive performance predicts future partner violence among U.S. Iraq- and Afghanistan-deployed Army soldiers and veterans. Psychology of Violence, 12(3), 160-169. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000408
Focus:
Physical health
Mental health
Couples
Veterans
Deployment
Substance use
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Chiu, Christopher; Gnall, Katherine; Pless Kaiser, Anica; Taft, Casey T.; Franz, Molly R.; Lee, Lewina O.; Vasterling, Jennifer J.
2022
Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) constitutes a major U.S. national health concern and disproportionately affects military families. Prior research, which has been conducted primarily in civilian populations, suggests that relative neurocognitive weaknesses may increase risk for IPV. This prospective study examined the associations between postdeployment neurocognitive performance and subsequent IPV (5–13 years later) among warzone veterans in the context of psychological health and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method: Participants were 217 warzone veterans from a nationally dispersed sample of service members and veterans who had previously deployed to the Iraq war zone and their intimate partners. Warzone veterans had previously completed performance-based neurocognitive assessments at a postdeployment assessment. An average of 8 years later, participants completed structured psychiatric interviews and psychometric surveys assessing TBI history, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use, and IPV perpetration. Results: Regression analyses revealed that relatively greater psychopathology and history of TBI were significantly associated with more frequent warzone veteran IPV psychological perpetration. Furthermore, relatively poorer postdeployment neurocognitive performance predicted higher subsequent psychological and physical IPV perpetration, adjusting for demographics, psychological health, and TBI. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of identifying both psychological/behavioral and neurocognitive correlates of IPV among warzone veterans. An integrative understanding of IPV risk can help inform both IPV prevention and treatment efforts for warzone veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
16 Overview of efforts to increase women enrollment in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program
Overview of efforts to increase women enrollment in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program
APA Citation:
Whitbourne, S. B., Li, Y., Brewer, J. V. V., Deen, J., Gutierrez, C., Murphy, S. A., Lord, E., Yan, J., Nguyen, X.-M. T., Tsao, P. S., Gaziano, J. M., Muralidhar, S., Cohen, S., Wilkes, M., Moser, J., Beckham, J., Chang, K.-M., Luoh, S.-W., Casas, J. P., … Balasubramanian, P. (2023). Overview of efforts to increase women enrollment in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program. Health Equity. 7(1), 324–332. https://doi.org/10.1089/heq.2023.0006
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Whitbourne, Stacey B.; Li, Yanping; Brewer, Jessica V. V.; Deen, Jennifer; Gutierrez, Claudia; Murphy, Sybil A.; Lord, Emily; Yan, Joseph; Nguyen, Xuan-Mai T.; Tsao, Philip S.; Gaziano, J. Michael; Muralidhar, Sumitra; Cohen, Shakeria; Wilkes, Martha; Moser, Jennifer; Beckham, Jean; Chang, Kyong-Mi; Luoh, Shiuh-Wen; Casas, Juan P.; Churby, Lori; Brophy, Mary T.; Selva, Luis E.; Shayan, Shahpoor; Cho, Kelly; Pyarajan, Saiju; DuVall, Scott L.; Connor, Todd; Argyres, Dean P.; Stephens, Brady; Wilson, Peter; McArdle, Rachel; Dellitalia, Louis; Mattocks, Kristin; Harley, John; Whittle, Jeffrey; Jacono, Frank; Wells, John; Gutierrez, Salvador; Alexander, Kathrina; Hammer, Kimberly; Norton, James; Villareal, Gerardo; Kinlay, Scott; Xu, Junzhe; Hamner, Mark; Mathew, Roy; Bhushan, Sujata; Iruvanti, Pran; Godschalk, Michael; Ballas, Zuhair; Smith, River; Mastorides, Stephen; Moorman, Jonathan; Gappy, Saib; Klein, Jon; Ratcliffe, Nora; Palacio, Ana; Okusaga, Olaoluwa; Murdoch, Maureen; Sriram, Peruvemba; Yeh, Shing Shing; Tandon, Neeraj; Jhala, Darshana; Aguayo, Samuel; Cohen, David; Sharma, Satish; Liangpunsakul, Suthat; Oursler, Kris Ann; Whooley, Mary; Ahuja, Sunil; Constans, Joseph; Meyer, Paul; Greco, Jennifer; Rauchman, Michael; Servatius, Richard; Gaddy, Melinda; Wallbom, Agnes; Morgan, Timothy; Stapley, Todd; Liang, Peter; Fujii, Daryl; Strollo, Patrick; Boyko, Edward; Walsh, Jessica; Gupta, Samir; Huq, Mostaqul; Fayad, Joseph; Hung, Adriana; Lichy, Jack; Hurley, Robin; Robey, Brooks; Balasubramanian, Prakash
2023
Background: Ensuring enhanced delivery of care to women Veterans is a top Veterans Affairs (VA) priority; however, women are historically underrepresented in research that informs evidence-based health care. A primary barrier to women's participation is the inability to engage with research in person due to a number of documented challenges. The VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) is committed to increasing access for women Veterans to participate in research, thereby better understanding conditions specific to this population and how disease manifests differently in women compared to men. The goal of this work is to describe the results of the MVP Women's Campaign, an effort designed to increase outreach to and awareness of remote enrollment options for women Veterans. Materials and Methods: The MVP Women's Campaign launched two phases between March 2021 and April 2022: the Multimedia Phase leveraged a variety of strategic multichannel communication tactics and the Email Phase focused on direct email communication to women Veterans. The effect of the Multimedia Phase was determined using t-tests and chi-square tests, as well as logistic regression models to compare demographic subgroups. The Email Phase was evaluated using comparisons of the enrollment rate across demographic groups through a multivariate adjusted logistic regression model. Results: Overall, 4694 women Veterans enrolled during the MVP Women's Campaign (54% during the Multimedia Phase and 46% during the Email Phase). For the Multimedia Phase, the percentage of older women online enrollees increased, along with women from the southwest and western regions of the United States. Differences for women Veteran online enrollment across different ethnicity and race groups were not observed. During the Email Phase, the enrollment rate increased with age. Compared to White women Veterans, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans were significantly less likely to enroll while Veterans with multiple races were more likely to enroll. Conclusion: The MVP Women's Campaign is the first large-scale outreach effort focusing on recruitment of women Veterans into MVP. The combination of print and digital outreach tactics and direct email recruitment resulted in over a fivefold increase in women Veteran enrollees during a 7-month period. Attention to messaging and communication channels, combined with a better understanding of effective recruitment methods for certain Veteran populations, allows MVP the opportunity to advance health and health care not only for women Veterans, but beyond. Lessons learned will be applied to increase other populations in MVP such as Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, younger Veterans, and Veterans with certain health conditions.
