Emerging adult (EA; aged 18–29) military-connected students experience major developmental changes, often coupled with the transition into the civilian sector and higher education. This conglomeration may exacerbate anxiety, stress, and negative coping mechanisms, including substance use. Substance use rates are highest among EAs, across the lifespan. To our knowledge, limited research has looked at EA military-connected students’ transition into higher education during this developmental stage. We qualitatively interviewed 16 EA military-connected students who reported high-risk substance use behaviors. To our knowledge, no student veteran research study has considered this characteristic. This is important since military members are more likely to misuse substances and encounter related consequences than their civilian counterparts, and these developmental and transitional stressors put them at higher risk for misusing substances. In 74-minute interviews, we asked participants about (1) challenges transitioning into higher education and (2) techniques helping professionals should use to support EA military-connected students. Two coders employed Thematic Analysis to identify themes using NVivo. We found challenges include: (1) starting over, (2) unable to relate to others, (3) lacking a purpose or plan, (4) support system changes, and (5) people view you as only a veteran. EA military-connected students’ suggestions for helping professionals include: (1) use straightforward communication, (2) show a genuine interest, (3) offer guidance on creating a support system, and (4) treat me as a human, not only a veteran. This study provides translational examples for helping professionals such as encouraging involvement in military and veteran community organizations to promote a sense of belonging.
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Emerging adult military-connected students express challenges transitioning into higher education: Implications for helping professionals
APA Citation:
Clary, K. L., & Byrne, L. (2023). Emerging adult military-connected students express challenges transitioning into higher education: Implications for helping professionals. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 47(1), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2021.1925176
Focus:
Substance use
Other
Branch of Service:
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Guard
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Clary, Kelly Lynn; Byrne, Lucy
2023
2 The PTSD Family Coach app in veteran family members: Pilot randomized controlled trial
The PTSD Family Coach app in veteran family members: Pilot randomized controlled trial
APA Citation:
van Stolk-Cooke, K., Wielgosz, J., Wu Hallenbeck, H., Chang, A., Rosen, C., Owen, J., & Kuhn, E. (2023). The PTSD Family Coach app in veteran family members: Pilot randomized controlled trial. JMIR Formative Research, 7, Article e42053. https://doi.org/10.2196/42053
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Programming
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
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
van Stolk-Cooke, Katherine; Wielgosz, Joseph; Hallenbeck, Haijing Wu; Chang, Andrew; Rosen, Craig; Owen, Jason; Kuhn, Eric
2023
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among US military veterans can adversely impact their concerned significant others (CSOs; eg, family members and romantic partners). Mobile apps can be tailored to support CSO mental health through psychoeducation, coping skills, and stress monitoring. Objective: This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of PTSD Family Coach 1.0, a free, publicly available app that includes psychoeducation, stress management tools, self-assessments, and features for connecting to alternative supports, compared with a psychoeducation-only version of the app for cohabitating CSOs of veterans with PTSD. Methods: A total of 200 participants with an average age of 39 (SD 8.44) years, primarily female (193/200, 97%), and White (160/200, 80%) were randomized to self-guided use of either PTSD Family Coach 1.0 (n=104) or a psychoeducation-only app (n=96) for 4 weeks. Caregiver burden, stress, depression, anxiety, beliefs about treatment, CSO self-efficacy, and relationship functioning assessed using measures of dyadic adjustment, social constraints, and communication danger signs were administered via a web survey at baseline and after treatment. User satisfaction and app helpfulness were assessed after treatment. Data were analyzed using linear mixed methods. Results: Overall, 50.5% (101/200) of randomized participants used their allocated app. Participants found PTSD Family Coach 1.0 somewhat satisfying (mean 4.88, SD 1.11) and moderately helpful (mean 2.99, SD 0.97) to use. Linear mixed effects models revealed no significant differences in outcomes by condition for caregiver burden (P=.45; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.4), stress (P=.64; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI −0.4 to 0.6), depression (P=.93; Cohen d= 0.0, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.3), anxiety (P=.55; Cohen d=−0.1, 95% CI −0.4 to 0.2), beliefs about treatment (P=.71; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.3), partner self-efficacy (P=.59; Cohen d=−0.1, 95% CI −0.4 to 0.2), dyadic adjustment (P=.08; Cohen d=−0.2, 95% CI −0.5 to 0.0), social constraints (P=.05; Cohen d=0.3, 95% CI 0.0-0.6), or communication danger signs (P=.90; Cohen d=−0.0, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.3). Post hoc analyses collapsing across conditions revealed a significant between-group effect on stress for app users versus nonusers (β=−3.62; t281=−2.27; P=.02). Conclusions: Approximately half of the randomized participants never used their allocated app, and participants in the PTSD Family Coach 1.0 condition only opened the app approximately 4 times over 4 weeks, suggesting limitations to this app version’s feasibility. PTSD Family Coach 1.0 users reported moderately favorable impressions of the app, suggesting preliminary acceptability. Regarding efficacy, no significant difference was found between PTSD Family Coach 1.0 users and psychoeducation app users across any outcome of interest. Post hoc analyses suggested that app use regardless of treatment condition was associated with reduced stress. Further research that improves app feasibility and establishes efficacy in targeting the domains most relevant to CSOs is warranted.
3 Post-high school military enlistment and long-term well-being
Post-high school military enlistment and long-term well-being
APA Citation:
Lucier-Greer, M., O’Neal, C. W., Peterson, C., Reed-Fitzke, K., & Wickrama, K. A. S. (2023). Post-high school military enlistment and long-term well-being. Emerging Adulthood, 11(1), . https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968221131854
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Youth
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Navy
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Lucier-Greer, Mallory; O’Neal, Catherine W.; Peterson, Clairee; Reed-Fitzke, Kayla; Wickrama, K. A. S.
2023
Longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to evaluate the impact of post-high school military enlistment during emerging adulthood. Comparisons were made between matched samples of emerging adults who enlisted in the military (n = 576) and their civilian counterparts (n = 576) on well-being over a decade later. Well-being was broadly conceptualized to reflect socioeconomic well-being, physical health, mental health, and risky lifestyle behaviors. Matching maximizes confidence that findings reflect differences due to enlistment, rather than pre-existing characteristics that contribute to both enlistment rates and well-being. No consistent differences emerged between the matched samples. Service members reported some indicators of better mental health (perceived stress, anxiety), yet higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, and civilians reported some indicators of better physical health. Strengths-based perspectives and models that account for the concurrent possibility that military service may positively and negatively impact well-being are needed in future research.
Stressful life events and risk of homelessness after active duty: An assessment of risk and resilience among servicemembers
APA Citation:
Montgomery, A. E., Koh, K. A., King, A. J., O’Brien, R., Sampson, N. A., Petriceks, A… Kessler, R. C. (2023). Stressful life events and risk of homelessness after active duty: An assessment of risk and resilience among servicemembers. Public Health Reports. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549221149092
Focus:
Mental health
Trauma
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Active Duty
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
Montgomery, Ann Elizabeth; Koh, Katherine A.; King, Andrew J.; O’Brien, Robert; Sampson, Nancy A.; Petriceks, Aldis; Stein, Murray B.; Ursano, Robert J.; Kessler, Ronald C.
2023
Objectives:The transition from military to civilian life may present increased exposure to various stressful life events (SLEs) that can increase the risk of homelessness (eg, loss of employment, dissolution of romantic relationships). We assessed the extent to which exposure to SLEs occurring proximal to US Army soldier transitions out of active duty was associated with risk of homelessness.Methods:A total of 16 589 respondents who were no longer on active duty but participated while on active duty during 2011-2014 baseline surveys completed follow-up surveys during 2016-2018 and 2018-2019. The follow-up surveys assessed SLEs and homelessness occurring in the past 12 months. We used modified Poisson regression models to evaluate how much differential SLE exposure and effects explained the aggregate association of a risk index with homelessness among a sample of 6837 respondents, weighted to represent the full sample.Results:More than half (n = 3510, 52.8%) of respondents reported experiencing any SLEs in the past 12 months. Most (60.5%) of the difference in prevalence of homelessness among respondents defined as being at high risk of homelessness (vs lower risk) was explained by differential exposure to, and/or effects of, these SLEs. Personal betrayal by a loved one and economic problems played the largest roles in adjusted risk differences (0.045 and 0.074, respectively).Conclusions:Homelessness might be reduced by gearing interventions toward soldiers at high risk of homelessness who are transitioning out of active duty to reduce exposure to and effects of modifiable SLEs on experiencing homelessness.
5 Risk and protective factors for work-family conflict among female military spouses
Risk and protective factors for work-family conflict among female military spouses
APA Citation:
Park, Y., Shea, M., Sullivan, K., Merrill, J. C., Clarke-Walper, K., & Riviere, L. A. (2023). Risk and protective factors for work-family conflict among female military spouses. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 32, 1078-1087. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02535-x
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
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
Park, Yangjin; Shea, Molly; Sullivan, Kathrine; Merrill, Julie C.; Clarke-Walper, Kristina; Riviere, Lyndon A.
2023
Work-family conflict (WFC) is a chronic issue among military families. Compared to their civilian counterparts, military families experience additional work demands such as frequent training exercises and deployment, military-specific trauma, and injury in garrison, training or deployed settings. Guided by a risk and protective factors framework, this study examined the direct effects of cumulative military-specific work risks (i.e., number of combat deployments, mental health, injury during combat deployments) and cumulative family risks (i.e., children in the home, spouse adverse childhood experiences, spouse employment) on WFC and the potential buffering effect of social support among female military spouses. This study is a secondary data analysis (n = 334) using Land Combat Study 2 data collected by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in 2012. After controlling for covariates (including soldier rank, ethnicity, and age), cumulative military-specific risk factors were positively associated with WFC while family risks were not. Social support was negatively associated with WFC but did not exhibit interaction effects with either group of risks. Findings suggest military spouses perceive WFC due to service members’ military-specific work factors, and social support was a promotive factor which may alleviate experiences of WFC. Military leadership and behavior health providers should consider strategies to alleviate work-specific risks and promote social support for military spouses to reduce WFC.
Pre- and perinatal risk factors for child maltreatment in military families across the first two years of life
APA Citation:
Sullivan, K. S., Richardson, S., Ross, A., Cederbaum, J. A., Pflieger, J., Abramovitz, L., Bukowinski, A., & Stander, V. (2023). Pre- and perinatal risk factors for child maltreatment in military families across the first two years of life. Child Maltreatment, 28(2), 209-220. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595221088198
Focus:
Parents
Children
Child maltreatment
Mental health
Physical health
Substance use
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Sullivan, Kathrine S.; Richardson, Sabrina; Ross, Abigail; Cederbaum, Julie A.; Pflieger, Jacqueline; Abramovitz, Lisa; Bukowinski, Anna; Stander, Valerie
2023
Military families are exposed to a unique constellation of risk factors, which may impact maltreatment outcomes. The present study examined prospective relationships between demographic, health, birth-related, and military-specific risk factors identified prior to a child’s birth on their risk for maltreatment in the first two years of life. Data from the Millennium Cohort Study, Department of Defense (DoD) operational records and Family Advocacy Program data on met-criteria maltreatment, and Birth and Infant Health Research program data on suspected maltreatment were linked for 9076 service member parents. Discrete time survival analysis showed that preterm birth increased risk of maltreatment while parents’ older age, physical health, and service in the Navy or Air Force decreased risk. Building on DoD’s New Parent Support Program, findings suggest the need for universal and targeted prevention efforts, beginning during pregnancy, which limit or eliminate risk factors for maltreatment in military families.
7 Relationship maintenance among military couples
Relationship maintenance among military couples
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Monk, J. K., & MacDermid Wadsworth, S. M. (2023). Relationship maintenance among military couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 40(3), 734-772. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221105025
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Monk, J. Kale; MacDermid Wadsworth, Shelley M.
2023
A burgeoning body of research on the relationship maintenance of military couples over the past two decades suggests the time is right to organize, assimilate, and critique the literature. We conducted a systematic review informed by the integrative model of relationship maintenance that considered issues of intersectionality. Our literature search identified 81 relevant journal articles representing 62 unique samples. With respect to theory, 59.3% of the journal articles employed one or more formal theoretical frameworks. In terms of research design, 88.7% of the studies focused on the U.S. military, 83.9% of the studies recruited convenience samples, 54.8% of the studies utilized quantitative methods, and 30.6% of the studies collected longitudinal data. Among the studies reporting sample demographics, 96.8% of participants were married, 77.2% of participants identified as non-Hispanic White, and only one same-sex relationship was represented. Our narrative synthesis integrated findings about relationship maintenance from studies examining (a) relationship maintenance overtly, (b) communicating to stay connected across the deployment cycle, (c) disclosure and protective buffering, (d) support from a partner, (e) dyadic coping, and (f) caregiving and accommodating a partner’s symptoms. We interpret our results with an eye toward advancing theory, research, and practice.
The role of PTSD symptom severity and relationship functioning in male and female veterans’ mental health service use
APA Citation:
Harper, K. L., Vogt, D., Fox, A., Nillni, Y. I., & Galovski, T. (2023). The role of PTSD symptom severity and relationship functioning in male and female veterans’ mental health service use. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 15(4), 690-696. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001369
Focus:
Couples
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Harper, Kelly L.; Vogt, Dawne; Fox, Annie; Nillni, Yael I.; Galovski, Tara
2023
Objective: Previous research has shown that difficulties in intimate relationships promote mental health treatment seeking for male veterans, but findings for female veterans have been mixed. The current study sought to further evaluate whether intimate relationship functioning is a motivator for mental health treatment seeking for male and female veterans and examine the impact of different types of trauma exposure on this association. Method: Using data from a longitudinal study, we examined whether intimate relationship functioning mediated the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and mental health service use (0 = no mental health services, 1 = any mental health services) in male and female veterans (N = 1,200). We used multiple groups path analysis to examine whether intimate relationship functioning mediated the association between PTSD symptom severity and mental health service use for male and female veterans. Results: For male veterans, greater PTSD symptom severity was related to poorer intimate relationship functioning, which in turn explained increased likelihood of mental health service use (R² = .18). This mediation effect was not significant for female veterans. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that targeting intimate relationship functioning in treatment for male veterans may be beneficial because difficulties in these relationships appear to be a motivating factor for treatment seeking.
9 Postdeployment mental health concerns and family functioning in veteran men and women
Postdeployment mental health concerns and family functioning in veteran men and women
APA Citation:
Zelkowitz, R. L., Archibald, E. A., Gradus, J. L., & Street, A. E. (2023). Postdeployment mental health concerns and family functioning in veteran men and women. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 15(4), 705-714. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001237
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Veterans
Parents
Trauma
Youth
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)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Zelkowitz, Rachel L.; Archibald, Emma A.; Gradus, Jaimie L.; Street, Amy E.
2023
Objective: Despite growing numbers of veteran women, it is unclear whether the impact of common postdeployment mental health concerns on key aspects of family functioning varies by gender. We examined whether associations between PTSD, depression, and problematic alcohol use and intimate relationship quality and parenting self-efficacy differed among men and women in a large, gender-balanced sample of post-9/11 veterans. Method: Participants included 2,348 veterans (51.49% women) of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were part of a larger study of gender differences in effects of wartime deployment. Veterans who were married or in a relationship (n = 1,536, 49.09% women) reported overall relationship quality. Veterans with children under age 18 (n = 1,049; 51.57% women) self-reported on their sense of efficacy as parents. All participants reported symptoms of PTSD, depression, and problematic alcohol use. We used a series of hierarchical linear regressions to test gender as a moderator of each postdeployment mental health concern and the family functioning constructs of interest. Results: Each postdeployment mental health concern was associated with reduced relationship quality and parenting self-efficacy, and these associations were largely consistent across gender. However, links between reduced parenting self-efficacy and increased PTSD and depressive symptoms were stronger in women compared with men. Conclusions: Postdeployment mental health concerns are associated with impairment in key family relationships for both veteran men and women. This impact may be particularly profound for parenting self-efficacy among female veterans, highlighting the potential importance of targeted interventions in this domain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Qualitative examination of homecoming experiences among active-duty military fathers during reintegration
APA Citation:
Blankenship, A. E., Drew, A. L., Jacoby, V. M., Zolinski, S. K., Ojeda, A. R., Dondanville, K. A., Sharrieff, A.-F. M., … DeVoe, E. R. (2023). Qualitative examination of homecoming experiences among active-duty military fathers during reintegration. Qualitative Social Work. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/14733250221150378
Focus:
Deployment
Children
Couples
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 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
Blankenship, Abby E.; Drew, Alison L.; Jacoby, Vanessa M.; Zolinski, Sophie K.; Ojeda, Alyssa R.; Dondanville, Katherine A.; Sharrieff, Allah-Fard M.; Yarvis, Jeffrey; Acker, Michelle; Blount, Tabatha H.; McGeary, Cindy A.; Young-McCaughan, Stacey; Peterson, Alan L.; Kritikos, Tessa K.; DeVoe, Ellen R.
2023
Active-duty military fathers are frequently away from their families throughout their military career and are faced with readjusting to family and garrison life after each separation. For fathers of very young children, reintegration can have unique challenges due to the tremendous developmental progression occurring in early childhood and the impact of lengthy deployment separations. While much of the research on military families focuses on extreme negative experiences (e.g., reactions to war injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder), little is known about the common experiences of military families. This qualitative study explores the reintegration experiences of 15 active-duty U.S. Army fathers with a child under six in their home during the deployment. Homecoming experiences were coded and analyzed to distinguish four adjustment factors and five adaptation challenges. Most fathers described having mixed experiences during reintegration, with 93% referencing at least one factor making adjustment easier (e.g., communication with their spouse during deployment), and 80% referencing at least one factor making adjustment difficult (e.g., child?s initial hesitation or perceived rejection). Adjustment facilitators included: spending quality time with family, individual and family growth, quality communication during deployment, and the service member?s parental perspective taking. Challenges to adjustment included negative postdeployment reactions of children, difficulty readjusting to family and civilian life, and service member psychological changes. These findings expand our understanding of the reintegration experience of active-duty fathers with young children and identify common challenges and facilitators that can be addressed through culturally informed supportive services across the deployment cycle.
Transferable resilience practices: Communication and resilience of U.S. military spouses during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
APA Citation:
Fanari, A., Cooper, R. A., Dajches, L., Beck, G., & Pitts, M. J. (2023). Transferable resilience practices: Communication and resilience of U.S. military spouses during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Family Communication, 23(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15267431.2022.2149528
Focus:
Couples
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
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
Fanari, Alice; Cooper, R. Amanda; Dajches, Leah; Beck, Gary; Pitts, Margaret J.
2023
This study uses the communication theory of resilience as a sensitizing framework to explore how U.S. military spouses transferred resilience practices acquired during military deployment to early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 27 in-depth interviews with U.S. military spouses showed that the military experience shaped participants’ appraisal of the pandemic and helped them to discursively enact resilience through previously developed practices. Six major themes emerged: (a) crafting normalcy through the military lifestyle and experience; (b) affirming identity through military anchors; (c) invoking military mantras as alternative logics; (d) foregrounding productive action through flexibility and planning; (e) maintaining communication networks through (i) technology, (ii) family and community support, and (iii) intentional communication with partner; and (f) downplaying negative feelings by generating positive emotions. Findings contribute to the communication theory of resilience by showing how individuals with a history of resilience can transfer already-built resilience practices from one context (deployment) to another (COVID-19).
Pilot test of intranasal oxytocin as an enhancer of brief couples therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
APA Citation:
Sippel, L. M., Khalifian, C. E., Knopp, K. C., Webster, K., Maglione, J Holcomb, J...Morland, L. A. (2023). Pilot test of intranasal oxytocin as an enhancer of brief couples therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 161, 165-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.001
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Couples
Trauma
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
Sippel, Lauren M.; Khalifian, Chandra E.; Knopp, Kayla C.; Webster, Katelyn; Maglione, Jeanne; Holcomb, Julie; Flanagan, Julianne C.; Monson, Candice M.; Holtzheimer, Paul E.; Morland, Leslie A.
2023
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) negatively impacts military veterans and their intimate partners. Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) was developed to address both PTSD and relationship satisfaction among couples. Although efficacious in improving PTSD, the effects of CBCT and the 8-session brief CBCT (bCBCT) on relationship satisfaction among veteran patients with PTSD are modest. Pharmacological augmentation with the neuropeptide oxytocin is promising for enhancing bCBCT's potency due to its effects on mechanisms of trauma recovery (e.g., extinction learning) and relationship functioning (e.g., trust, communication). The goal of this pilot uncontrolled clinical trial was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of bCBCT augmented with intranasal oxytocin for improving PTSD and relationship satisfaction among 10 U.S. veterans with PTSD and their intimate partners. Veterans self-administered 40 international units of intranasal oxytocin 30 min before each bCBCT session delivered to the couple via telehealth. Both partners completed pre-assessment, weekly, post, and 3-month follow-up assessments of PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction. Couples also provided qualitative feedback related to feasibility and engagement. Nine dyads completed the treatment. There were no serious adverse events. Veterans and partners reported moderate to large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction (Hedge's g = 0.55 and 1.01, respectively). Veterans reported large effect size reductions in PTSD severity (Hedge's g = 1.87). These results suggest that virtual oxytocin-assisted bCBCT is feasible, scalable, potentially efficacious, and should be tested with a placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial.
Military mothering, responsibility, and children’s outdoor risky play: “I do not want my children to be afraid to try things”
APA Citation:
Bauer, M. E. E., Giles, A. R., & Brussoni, M. (2023). Military mothering, responsibility, and children’s outdoor risky play: “I do not want my children to be afraid to try things.” Journal of Leisure Research, 54(3), 337-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2022.2119115
Focus:
Parents
Children
Branch of Service:
International Military
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Preschool age (2 -5 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Bauer, Michelle Emma Eileen; Giles, Audrey R.; Brussoni, Mariana
2023
Mothers more than fathers are discursively produced as responsible for children’s safety. Wives of members in combat arms occupations in the military may have feelings of responsibility for their children’s safety that are shaped through their involvement in military culture. In this research, we examined the feelings of responsibility mothers partnered with members in combat arms occupations have for their children’s safety during outdoor risky play. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 mothers and used poststructural feminist theory and feminist methodologies. Our findings indicate military mothers feel responsible for their children’s safety during outdoor risky play, but they resist societal pressures to restrict it. Some of the mothers believed there is an increased pressure on women more than men to provide care for their children, and some expressed that being part of a military culture shaped their feelings of responsibility.
14 Influence of family factors on service members' decisions to leave the military
Influence of family factors on service members' decisions to leave the military
APA Citation:
Woodall, K. A., Esquivel, A. P., Powell, T. M., Riviere, L. A., Amoroso, P. J., & Stander, V. A. (2023). Influence of family factors on service members' decisions to leave the military. Family Relations, 72(3), 1138-1157. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12757
Focus:
Couples
Parents
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Woodall, Kelly A.; Esquivel, Alejandro P.; Powell, Teresa M.; Riviere, Lyndon A.; Amoroso, Paul J.; Stander, Valerie A.
2023
Background Service member retention is a crucial aspect in maintaining and advancing the U.S. military and its mission. To increase retention, it is important to understand why active duty personnel voluntarily leave while they are still highly qualified. For married service members, spouses likely influence the decision to stay or leave military service. Objective The current study used data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study for 4,539 dyads comprising service members and their spouses to investigate family predictors of voluntary military separation. Methods Multivariate mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the role of military satisfaction (spouse and service member) and work–family conflict as mediators of the effects of both family life and military stressors on risk for military separation, while accounting for spouse and service member demographics. Results Results identified significant family factors operating through work–family conflict and military satisfaction that were associated with increased likelihood of service member voluntary separation, including number of children, spouse bothered by finances, and service member months away from home. Service members with spouses who reported higher levels of social support were significantly less likely to voluntarily separate, after operating through both work–family conflict and military satisfaction. Conclusion and Implications Findings suggest that work–family conflict and military satisfaction play an important synergistic role in predicting the impact family and career factors have on voluntary separation. These modifiable factors may guide potential interventions to increase military retention efforts.
Involving a significant other in treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of treatment interventions
APA Citation:
Meuleman, E., Sloover, M., & van Ee, E. (2023). Involving a significant other in treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of treatment interventions. Trauma, Violence, and Abuse, 24(3), 2034-2044. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221082939
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Meuleman, Eline; Sloover, Mèlanie; van Ee, Elisa
2023
Previous studies have called for the inclusion of social support in the treatment of PTSD. The current review identifies interventions for adults with PTSD symptoms, which include a significant other as a source of social support. 11 articles focusing on eight interventions were found, including a total of 495 participants who had experienced trauma. These interventions were divided according to level of involvement of the significant other in treatment. Significant others were either passively or actively involved in the treatment. Preliminary results show that interventions actively involving a significant other in the treatment of the patient with posttraumatic stress symptoms were most effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. The current review provides recommendations for future research and suggests that significant others should be actively involved in the treatment of PTSD symptoms.
16 Predictors of missed school days among military connected families: A feasibility study
Predictors of missed school days among military connected families: A feasibility study
APA Citation:
Gehring, J., & Robert, R. C. (2023). Predictors of missed school days among military connected families: A feasibility study. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 35(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000783
Focus:
Children
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Gehring, Janet; Robert, Rebecca C.
2023
Background: There is a paucity of research specific to military children's health, especially those with special needs. This may be partly attributed to the difficulty in accessing military connected families as a population. Yet, given the recognized importance of military connected families to the national security agenda, a need exists for studies to explore factors underlying child and family health. Purpose: We sought to identify factors among a sample of military children with special health care needs (CSHCN) predictive of missed school days, a commonly used measure of health and one used by NPs to monitor chronic conditions management success. Methodology: We used a secondary data analysis design and multivariable logistic regression with a subsample of military connected families from the National Survey of CSHCN identified by their reported insurance type. Results: We identified 1,656 military CSHCN. According to the adjusted model, hours of care per week, family work hours change, and activity limitations for the child were positive predictors of ≥4 missed school days per year. Conclusion/Implications: Our models identified important predictors of missed school days among military children that may inform assessments, interventions, and referrals by nurse practitioners caring for them. We identified a robust sample of military CSHCN from the National Survey of CSHCN by using self-reported insurance, a novel and simple approach to conducting a focused study of this population. Although feasible, this sampling approach was not without limitations. We advocate for including military connected families within sampling frameworks of national surveys to ensure that studies with this critical and unique population continue.
17 Effects of family therapy for substance abuse: A systematic review of recent research
Effects of family therapy for substance abuse: A systematic review of recent research
APA Citation:
Esteban, J., Suárez-Relinque, C., & Jiménez, T. I. (2023). Effects of family therapy for substance abuse: A systematic review of recent research. Family Process, 62(1), 49–73. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12841
Focus:
Mental health
Substance use
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Esteban, Jessica; Suárez-Relinque, Cristian; Jiménez, Teresa I.
2023
One of the most serious psychosocial problems worldwide is substance abuse because of its repercussions not only on the physical and psychological health of the abuser but also on their relational functioning. Among the well-established therapeutic approaches for the treatment of substance abuse is family therapy, which, in addition to influencing personal variables, promotes changes in family dynamics. The main objective of this study is to review the scientific literature published from 2010 to the present on the efficacy and effectiveness shown by family-based treatment approaches for substance use problems both in adolescent and adult samples. In addition, the effect on secondary variables such as family functioning and behavioral problems is evaluated. The empirical evidence accumulated in the last decade and reviewed in the present study indicates that the incorporation of family members in the treatment of substance abuse produces benefits by diminishing consumption and improving family functioning. Limitations of this study and of the research reviewed are discussed and directions for future research are provided.
“We’ve been here all along:” The collective resilience of transgender and gender diverse U.S. service members
APA Citation:
Eleazer, J. R., Marchant, L., Kizewski, A., Gross, G., Warren, A., & McCubbin, L. (2023). “We’ve been here all along:” The collective resilience of transgender and gender diverse U.S. service members. Psychological Services, 20(2), 382-396. https://doi. org/10.1037/ser0000721
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
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
Eleazer, Jacob R.; Marchant, Landon; Kizewski, Amber; Gross, Georgina; Warren, Allison; McCubbin, Laurie
2023
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in the United States face high rates of minority stressors, such as social rejection, homelessness, discrimination, and identity-based violence (James et al., 2016). Transgender and gender diverse service members are also exposed to unique military-specific stressors such as discriminatory military policies, combat stress, and military sexual trauma (Tucker et al., 2019). However, little is known about TGD troops’ experiences of resilience when navigating stress and trauma exposure during their military service. A transaffirmative participatory research design and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) analytic method were used to explore how troops made sense of their experiences of oppression and resilience. Researchers interviewed TGD service members (N = 40) about their gender identity and military service. Superordinate themes included: (a) understanding oppression; (b) survival strategies; (c) individual stress and resilience factors; and (d) collective resilience factors. Results suggest that both intrasubjective and intersubjective factors impacted how TGD troops made sense of their experiences of oppression and resilience. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
19 Social factors predict treatment engagement in veterans with PTSD or SUD
Social factors predict treatment engagement in veterans with PTSD or SUD
APA Citation:
Fivecoat, H. C., Lookatch, S. J., Mavandadi, S., McKay, J. R., & Sayers, S. L. (2023). Social factors predict treatment engagement in veterans with PTSD or SUD. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 50, 286-300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-022-09823-2
Focus:
Substance use
Mental health
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)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Fivecoat, Hayley C.; Lookatch, Samantha J.; Mavandadi, Shahrzad; McKay, James R.; Sayers, Steven L.
2023
Veterans with PTSD and SUDs often fail to initiate, or prematurely discontinue, mental health treatment in Veteran Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC). While much is known about clinical characteristics and demographic factors impacting treatment engagement in this population, less is known about the role of social factors. This retrospective study examines primary care–based screening assessment and specialty mental healthcare appointment data in a VAMC, to test whether social factors predict treatment initiation and appointment attendance. Findings reveal veterans were more likely to initiate treatment when (a) those with SUDs (n = 235) reported more frequent negative exchanges with others and (b) those with PTSD (n = 2107) reported more perceived support or being partnered. Those with PTSD who were partnered had higher appointment attendance rates. Findings suggest social factors are relevant to treatment initiation among veterans with PTSD and SUDs and that close others may be helpful in facilitating referrals.
Examination of the relationship between self and choice of coping strategies among U.S. active duty military wives
APA Citation:
Page, A. P., Ross, A. M., & Solomon, P. (2023). Examination of the relationship between self and choice of coping strategies among U.S. active duty military wives. Armed Forces and Society, 49(3), 687-712. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X221081222
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Page, Amy P.; Ross, Abigail M.; Solomon, Phyllis
2023
Previous research indicates that one’s identity relates to one’s use of specific coping strategies. Exploring the relationship between self and coping in military wives is crucial to understanding how they manage military lifestyle-related stressors. The researchers hypothesized that identity status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, mastery, and role conflict will be related to choice of emotion-focused coping or problem-focused coping strategies. Two hundred two participants completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses revealed that emotion-focused coping had positive relationships with achieved identity status and role conflict. Problem-focused coping had positive relationships with moratorium status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, and mastery. Findings provide preliminary support that sense of self is important in understanding how military wives choose to cope with particular challenges.
Showing dictionary results for:
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