A review of evidence-based strategies to help military families navigate relocation
Research Report:
Research ReportAPA Citation:
Vandenberg, C., Hanson, E., Tidwell, A., Sherman, H., Chen, C.-F., O’Neal, C. W., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2023). A review of evidence-based strategies to help military families navigate relocation. Auburn, AL: Military REACH.
Abstract Created by REACH:
Purpose: The Military REACH team reviewed research related to how families are affected by relocation in the context of permanent change of station (PCS) moves, with an emphasis on research that speaks to building resilience and enhancing family well-being throughout the process. This report summarizes practical, evidence-based strategies across the five domains of Military Family Readiness (MFR): career, finance, community ties, health, and social relationships (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness [USD (P&R)], 2021). For the purpose of this report, we conceptualize the relocation process as occurring in two phases: (1) preparation for the move and (2) adjustment and adaptation after the move. Drawing from the available research, for each phase, we identify typical stressors that families may experience (What to Expect) and offer tips for how helping professionals can develop tools for resilience and well-being (Leverage Points).
Focus:
Children
Youth
Parents
Couples
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Military families
Spouse of service member or veteran
Child of a service member or veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Preschool age (2 -5 yrs)
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)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Vandenberg, Carlynn, Hanson, Emily, Tidwell, Allison, Sherman, Haley, Chen, Chia-Feng, O'Neal, Catherine W., Lucier-Greer, Mallory
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Military REACH at Auburn University
Publication Type:
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, CV
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, EH
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, AT
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, HS
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, CFC
Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, CWO
Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, MLG
Keywords:
relocation, permanent change of station, PCS, resilience, family well-being
Location:
Auburn University
REACH Publication Type:
Research Report
Sponsors:
This product was developed as a result of a partnership funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) between the DoD’s Office of Military Family and Community Policy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA) through a grant/cooperative agreement with Auburn University. USDA/NIFA Award No. 2021-48710-35671, PI, Mallory Lucier-Greer.
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