Strengthening and supporting parent–child relationships through digital technology: Benefits and challenges
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA 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
Abstract Created by REACH:
This qualitative meta-analysis combined data from 2 studies to explore the use of digital communication technologies (e.g., social media, video or phone calls, texts) among Australian Defence Force (ADF) families with children. Interviews with 13 women who were civilian partners of current ADF members explored how families used technology to maintain parent-child relationships during military-related separations. In general, technology benefited families, facilitating stronger relationships and a smoother reintegration experience; however, challenges were also noted.
Focus:
Programming
Parents
Children
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Child of a service member or veteran
Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative
Meta Analysis
Authors:
Johnson, Amy, Rogers, Marg
Abstract:
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.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
military family, parenting, children, qualitative research, deployment, digital
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: