Paternal PTSD or depression, adolescent mental health, and family functioning: A study of UK military families
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Wickersham, A., Leightley, D., Baig, B., Chesnokov, M., Stein, A., Ramchandani, P., Downs, J., Parnell, N., Rye, K., Verey, A., & Fear, N. T. (2024). Paternal PTSD or depression, adolescent mental health, and family functioning: A study of UK military families. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 10(2), 63-78. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0071
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study investigated whether fathers’ probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression was associated with their family’s functioning and their adolescent child(ren)’s mental health. 105 Service member or Veteran (SM/V) fathers from the United Kingdom self-reported their PTSD and depressive symptoms. Family functioning (e.g., problem-solving, communication, household role clarity, affection) was measured by averaging father, mother, and adolescent reports. All family members also reported the adolescents’ mental health symptoms, and a clinician determined whether the adolescent/s had a probable mental health disorder. After accounting for sociodemographic and military characteristics, fathers’ PTSD or depression was associated with poorer family functioning but not with adolescents’ mental health.
Focus:
Parents
Children
Youth
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Child of a service member or veteran
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)
Methodology:
Secondary Analysis
Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:
Wickersham, Alice, Leightley, Daniel, Baig, Benjamin, Chesnokov, Melanie, Stein, Alan, Ramchandani, Paul, Downs, Johnny, Parnell, Nathan, Rye, Kristy, Verey, Anna, Fear, Nicola T.
Abstract:
Limited research has explored the relationships between paternal mental health, adolescent offspring mental health, and family functioning in United Kingdom military populations. The authors investigated this in a study of 105 serving and ex-serving members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, with adolescent offspring ages 11 to 17 years. It was found military fathers with symptoms of PTSD or depression had more family difficulties, particularly around communication. Their adolescent offspring were also more likely to meet criteria for mental health disorders. These findings demonstrate the importance of supporting military fathers and their families with mental health and well-being.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
paternal PTSD, paternal depression, adolescent mental health, family functioning
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: