Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common, often co-occur, and are associated with poor health outcomes across the life course. Emerging research has emphasized the lasting consequences of ACEs across generations, suggesting parental ACEs are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes in children. However, the individual effects of fathers’ ACEs and pathways of transmission remain unclear. A scoping review was conducted to summarize the current knowledgebase of the intergenerational consequences of parental ACEs on offspring health, clarify pathways of transmission, understand how ACEs are operationalized in the intergenerational literature, and identify gaps in knowledge.
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Showing library results for: April 2024
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Maternal and paternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and offspring health and wellbeing: A scoping review
APA Citation:
Grafft, N., Lo, B., Easton, S. D., Pineros-Leano, M., & Davison, K. K. (2024). Maternal and paternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and offspring health and wellbeing: A scoping review. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 28, 52-66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03825-y
Focus:
Parents
Trauma
Children
Population:
Childhood (birth - 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
Grafft, Natalie; Lo, Brian; Easton, Scott D.; Pineros-Leano, Maria; Davison, Kirsten K.
2024
The Positive Relational Couples Therapy Model: A group therapeutic approach for LGBTQIA+ military couples
APA Citation:
Morris, C., Wright, G., & Herbert, L. (2024). The positive relational couples therapy model: A group therapeutic approach for LGBTQIA+ military couples. The Family Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807241235323
Focus:
Couples
Programming
Mental health
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
Morris, Crystal; Wright, Galaxina; Herbert, Léa
2024
Given the history of discrimination and increased mental health risks surrounding LGBTQIA+ service members, group counseling is a practical approach for practitioners to mitigate effects in a therapeutic setting. This article synthesizes the Positive Relational Couples Therapy (PRCT) model, incorporating concepts of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC), Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), the PERMA model, and Gottman's Method Couples Therapy as a group process to provide a conceptual framework. An outline of the PRCT model and case illustration are provided for practitioners for group counseling with LGBTQIA+ military couples. Practical group considerations and implications for this work are discussed.
Crisis response planning rapidly reduces suicidal ideation among U.S. military veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD
APA Citation:
Bryan, C. J., Bryan, A. O., Khazem, L. R., Aase, D. M., Moreno, J. L., Ammendola, E., Bauder, C. R., Hiser, J., Daruwala, S. E., & Baker, J. C. (2024). Crisis response planning rapidly reduces suicidal ideation among U.S. military veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102, Article 102824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102824
Focus:
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
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 & Summary
Bryan, Craig J.; Bryan, AnnaBelle O.; Khazem, Lauren R.; Aase, Darrin M.; Moreno, Jose L.; Ammendola, Ennio; Bauder, Christina Rose; Hiser, Jaryd; Daruwala, Samantha E.; Baker, Justin C.
2024
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among U.S. military veterans and is associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Crisis response planning (CRP), a brief safety planning-type intervention, has been shown to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in emergency and acute care settings. CRP’s effectiveness when combined with trauma-focused therapies remains unknown. In this randomized pragmatic clinical trial with one-year follow-up, 157 U.S. military personnel and veterans were randomly assigned to receive CRP or self-guided safety planning (SP) prior to beginning massed cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Among 51 (32.5 % of sample) participants endorsing suicidal ideation at baseline, reductions in the severity of suicidal ideation were significantly larger and faster in CRP (F(11,672)= 15.8, p < .001). Among 106 participants denying suicidal ideation at baseline, 8.5 % of CRP participants versus 11.9 % of SP participants (OR=0.69, 95 % CI=0.19–2.52) reported new-onset suicidal ideation during any follow-up assessment. PTSD symptoms significantly reduced over time with no differences between groups. Results support the effectiveness of CRP for rapidly reducing suicidal ideation and managing suicide risk during outpatient treatment for PTSD.
Strengthening and supporting parent–child relationships through digital technology: Benefits and challenges
APA Citation:
Johnson, A., & Rogers, M. (2023). Strengthening and supporting parent-child relationships through digital technology: Benefits and challenges. Family Relations. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12960
Focus:
Programming
Parents
Children
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
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
Johnson, Amy; Rogers, Marg
2023
Objective This paper explores Australian military families' use of social media and digital communication to maintain and strengthen parent–child relationships during military deployments. Background The physical and emotional well-being of children and partners of military serving members is affected by service. Maintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during periods of absence (including deployment) is important for parental relationships as well as the well-being of the child. Method A qualitative meta-analysis is used to collate data from two previous studies of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families with children, in order to generate a new data set from which novel insights were drawn. Results Families show a preference for social media and digital communication methods, and digital technologies affordances and practicalities are well suited for Defence families with children. There are a range of benefits; digital technologies are used to strengthen relationships between children and their deployed parent. The study highlights a range of challenges for deployed parents as well as points to the work required from the at-home parent in facilitating these connections. Conclusion Maintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during times of absences is important for both relationships. This paper explores how ADF families use social and digital communication during military absences and outlines the role these technologies play as a medium for strengthening familial relationship. Implications. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of digital and social communication technologies for supporting families during absences. This has implications for the ADF, who might look to reduce members' access to such communication for security concerns. Reduced family well-being may also have impacts on retention, a key issue for military organizations. Accordingly, the findings of this paper may be used to inform decisions about restricting internet and social media access for deployed military members.
Feasibility of a family-involved intervention to increase engagement in evidenced-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder: A pilot study
APA Citation:
Shepherd-Banigan, M., Shapiro, A., Stechuchak, K. M., Glynn, S., Calhoun, P., Ackland, …Van Houtven, C. H. (2024). Feasibility of a family-involved intervention to increase engagement in evidenced-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder: A pilot study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001623
Focus:
Mental health
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 & Summary
Shepherd-Banigan, Megan; Shapiro, Abigail; Stechuchak, Karen M.; Glynn, Shirley; Calhoun, Patrick; Ackland, Princess E.; Bokhour, Barbara; Edelman, David; Falkovic, Margaret; Weidenbacher, Hollis J.; Eldridge, Madeleine R.; Lanford, Tiera; Swinkels, Cindy; Dedert, Eric; Wells, Stephanie; Ruffin, Rachel; Van Houtven, Courtney H.
2024
Objective: To assess the feasibility of a family-involved intervention, family support in mental health recovery (FAMILIAR), for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seeking psychotherapy at a single Veterans Administration Health System. Method: This mixed-methods study reports qualitative and quantitative findings from a single-group pilot of 24 veterans and their support partners (SPs) about experiences with the intervention and interviews with eight VA mental health clinicians and leaders and the study interventionist to explore intervention feasibility. Findings across data sources were merged within domains of Bowen and colleagues’ pilot study feasibility framework. Results: Out of 24 dyads, 16 veterans and 15 associated SPs completed the intervention. Participants viewed the intervention to be valuable and feasible. Veterans and SPs reported that they enrolled in the study to develop a shared understanding of PTSD and treatment. While participants identified few logistical barriers, finding a time for conjoint sessions could be a challenge. Veterans, SPs, and providers discussed benefits of the intervention, including that it facilitated conversation between the veteran and SP about PTSD and mental health care and helped to prepare the dyad for treatment. Providers noted potential challenges integrating family-involved interventions into clinical workflow in VA and suggested the need for additional training and standardized procedures for family-centered care. Conclusions: Our study identified potential implementation facilitators (e.g., standard operating procedures about session documentation, confidentiality, and family ethics) and challenges (e.g., clinical workflow integration) that require further study to bring FAMILIAR into routine clinical care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
‘Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home’: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage
APA Citation:
Betz, M. E., Meza, K., Friedman, K., Moceri-Brooks, J., Johnson, M. L., Simonetti, J., Baker, J. C., Bryan, C. J., & Anestis, M. D. (2023). “Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home”: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage. BMJ Military Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/military-2023-002591
Focus:
Couples
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Guard
Reserve
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
Betz, Marian E.; Meza, K.; Friedman, K.; Moceri-Brooks, J.; Johnson, M. L.; Simonetti, J.; Baker, J. C.; Bryan, C. J.; Anestis, M. D.
2023
Introduction In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. Materials and methods Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive–inductive approach. Results Across 56 participants (August 2022–March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person. Conclusion US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.
Masculinity and stigma among emerging adult military members and veterans: implications for encouraging help-seeking
APA Citation:
Clary, K. L., Pena, S., & Smith, D. C. (2023). Masculinity and stigma among emerging adult military members and veterans: Implications for encouraging help-seeking. Current Psychology, 42(6), 4422-4438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01768-7
Focus:
Mental health
Substance use
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Clary, Kelly Lynn; Pena, Stephany; Smith, Douglas C.
2023
Emerging adult military members face occupational stressors that can lead to mental health issues including anxiety, depression, substance use, and PTSD. Serious mental health issues, including depression, and suicidality are increasing among young veterans. More than half of those experiencing a mental health problem do not seek help and could benefit from therapy. This qualitative study (1) revealed barriers to accessing mental health treatment and (2) provided ways to decrease stigma and encourage help seeking. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 emerging adult military members and asked about (1) barriers to mental health treatment and (2) ways to decrease these obstacles. Following a thematic analysis approach, two coders employed rigorous coding procedures using reflexive meetings and debriefings to find patterns using Excel and NVivo. Barriers to accessing mental health treatment exist at the systems, peers and leadership, and self-stigma (i.e., internalized) levels due to hegemonic masculinity tenants in the military. Suggestions to improve and encourage mental health treatment include implementing changes at the structural level in the military, increasing knowledge among the public sector, and improving education and training among helping professionals who are serving emerging adult military populations. Destigmatizing mental health treatment is no easy task but working collaboratively with emerging adult military members to understand their perceptions and attitudes can move us in a positive direction.
Translating discovery science: Delivering online, asynchronous financial education to service members at career and personal life transitions
APA Citation:
O’Neal, C. W., Lucier-Greer, M., Peterson, C., & McKay, B. (2023). Translating discovery science: Delivering online, asynchronous financial education to service members at career and personal life transitions. Family Relations. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12966
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
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
O'Neal, Catherine Walker; Lucier-Greer, Mallory; Peterson, Clairee; McKay, Brian
2023
Objective Grounded in the Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick model of evaluation, we examine multiple dimensions of military service members' reactions to six online, asynchronous financial family life education efforts. Background Using a “just-in-time” training model, financial literacy trainings that correspond to key family and career transitions were congressionally mandated for all service members. Program evaluation efforts are ongoing to assess training merit and inform training improvements. Method The six specific trainings evaluated occurred when service members were relocating, returning from deployment, receiving a promotion, getting married, getting divorced, and the birth of a first child. We explored various dimensions of training reactions, including training topics that were perceived as most beneficial at certain life stages or transitions; the perceptions of the trainings' quality, relevance, and impact; and finally, the likelihood of them sharing that information with their significant other. Data were collected between July 2021 and June 2023. Results Overall, service members perceived the trainings as high quality, relevant, and impactful, and most service members were likely to share the information with their spouse. Some differences were seen by demographic groups, such that trainees who were enlisted (compared to officers), identified as African American (compared to White), and had a high school diploma or associate's degree (compared to a more advanced degree) typically reported more favorable reactions. Conclusion and Implications Actionable strategies are provided to support service members and inform the development and evaluation of other family life education programs, particularly online, asynchronous training and financial-focused training.
The role of problem solving appraisal and support in the relationship between stress exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms of military spouses and service member partners
APA Citation:
Sullivan, K. S., Park, Y., Richardson, S., Stander, V., & Jaccard, J. (2024). The role of problem solving appraisal and support in the relationship between stress exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms of military spouses and service member partners. Stress & Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3371
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Trauma
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)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Sullivan, Kathrine S.; Park, Yangjin; Richardson, Sabrina; Stander, Valerie; Jaccard, James
2024
Using a stress process lens, this paper considers the interrelationship between individual and family-level stress exposures and military spouse resources, including problem-solving appraisals and problem-solving support (PSS), and their associations with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among both partners in military marital dyads. The study employs data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study, a longitudinal survey of married military dyads, with an initial panel of 9,872 spouses enroled from 2011 to 2013. A structural equation model explored the associations between service member and spouse childhood maltreatment exposure, nonmilitary and military stressors, as well as interactions with spouse resources on self-reported PTSS among both service member (SM) and spouse (SP). Among our findings, spouse childhood maltreatment muted later self-reported problem-solving appraisal and support. Spouse resources, in turn, had both protective (problem-solving appraisal) and promotive (problem-solving support) effects on PTSS for both service members and spouses. These findings emphasise the central role of spouses in military families, as more psychological resources among spouses appeared to buffer against the deleterious effects of stress exposure on both their own and their partners mental health.
“The culture” is truly the issue: A preliminary exploration of active duty female spouses’ acculturation to military life
APA Citation:
Page, A. P., Ross, A. M., & Solomon, P. (2024). “The culture” is truly the issue: A preliminary exploration of active duty female spouses’ acculturation to military life. Families in Society. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894231211357
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
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 & Summary
Page, Amy P.; Ross, Abigail M.; Solomon, Phyllis
2024
Acculturating to the Active Duty military lifestyle can be challenging yet rewarding. Using acculturation theory as a lens, this qualitative study explored experiences of women who transitioned into Active Duty culture through marrying a male service member. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via online survey from women married to men currently or recently serving on Active Duty. In total, 202 survey responses were received, with 194 providing qualitative data. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: descriptions of military culture, acculturation strategies, and processes involved with acculturation. Limitations include the cross-sectional and preliminary nature of the data. Findings can inform culturally responsive practice at all levels and indicate this is a fruitful area for further study.
Longitudinal predictors of children's self-blame appraisals among military families reported for family violence
APA Citation:
Rancher, C., Hanson, R., Williams, L. M., Saunders, B. E., & Smith, D. W. (2024). Longitudinal predictors of children’s selfblame appraisals among military families reported for family violence. Child Abuse & Neglect, 147, Article 106596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106596
Focus:
Trauma
Child maltreatment
Children
Branch of Service:
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Rancher, Caitlin; Hanson, Rochelle; Williams, Linda M.; Saunders, Benjamin E.; Smith, Daniel W.
2024
Background Although children's self-blame appraisals are recognized as important sequelae of child victimization that contribute to subsequent adjustment problems, little is known about the factors that predict their development and longitudinal course. Objective The current study examines the stability and longitudinal predictors of children's self-blame appraisals among a sample of children reported for family violence. Participants and setting Children (N = 195; 63 % female) aged 7 to 17 years (Mage = 12.17) were recruited as part of a longitudinal assessment of families referred to the United States Navy's Family Advocacy Program due to allegations of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, or intimate partner violence. Methods Children completed assessments on self-blame at 3 time points (baseline, 9–12 months, and 18–24 months) and baseline measures of their victimization experience, caregiver-child conflict, and depression. Results In univariate analyses, victimization that involved injury (r = 0.29, p < .001), the number of perpetrators (r = 0.23, p = .001), the number of victimization types (r = 0.32, p < .001), caregiver-child conflict (r = 0.36, p < .001), and depression (r = 0.39, p < .001) were each positively associated with baseline self-blame. When examined in a single longitudinal multilevel model, results indicated only caregiver-child conflict (b = 0.08, p = .007) and baseline depression (b = 0.06, p = .013) predicted increases in self-blame. Conclusion Findings suggest clinicians and researchers may consider assessment of victimization characteristics, caregiver-child relationships, and depression symptoms to identify children most at risk for developing self-blame appraisals.
Examining Strength at Home couples to prevent intimate partner violence on a military installation: A randomized controlled trial
APA Citation:
Taft, C. T., Rothman, E. F., Gallagher, M. W., Hamilton, E. G., Garza, A., & Creech, S. K. (2024). Examining strength at home couples to prevent intimate partner violence on a military installation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 92(4), 202–212. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000863
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Deployment
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Taft, Casey T.; Rothman, Emily F.; Gallagher, Matthew W.; Hamilton, Evelyn G.; Garza, Anissa; Creech, Suzannah K.
2024
Objectives: In this study, the effectiveness of a couples-based group intervention to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), Strength at Home Couples (SAH-C), was examined on a military installation relative to a comparison intervention, Supportive Prevention (SP). It was expected that greater reductions in use of physical, psychological, and sexual IPV behaviors, as well as reduced suicidality, would be found among service members and their partners in SAH-C relative to SP. Method: Participants included 138 couples randomized to SAH-C and SP through a clinical controlled trial embedded in a hybrid effectiveness implementation study which took place on a military installation. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales and Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse were used to measure IPV, and 13 Military Suicide Research Consortium common data elements were used to assess suicidality. Results: Service members randomized to SAH-C evidenced greater reductions based on effect sizes across the assessment time points for all IPV variables, including use of overall physical IPV, severe physical IPV, sexual IPV, psychological IPV, and coercive control IPV relative to those randomized to SP. Partners of service members demonstrated a similar general pattern for reductions in use of IPV, but findings were not as robust as for service members. Both service members and partners demonstrated greater reductions in suicidality based on effect sizes when randomized to SAH-C relative to SP. Conclusions: Findings extend prior work demonstrating the promising effects of SAH-C delivered in the military context and highlight the possible benefits of SAH-C in preventing self-harm thoughts and behaviors.
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