“The culture” is truly the issue: A preliminary exploration of active duty female spouses’ acculturation to military life
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA 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
Abstract Created by REACH:
Acculturation theory describes the process of individuals’ adjustment to a new culture, such as active-duty military culture. Using this lens, this study explored the experiences of women (N = 194 providing qualitative data) who transitioned into active-duty military life after marrying a Service member. Military wives responded to 3 open-ended questions about their adjustment to military life and how both the military lifestyle and their sense of self have affected how they cope with the challenges of being a military wife. The 3 themes that emerged described military cultural norms, various acculturation strategies, and the impact of acculturation processes over time.
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Mixed Methods
Qualitative Study
Quantitative Study
Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:
Page, Amy P., Ross, Abigail M., Solomon, Phyllis
Abstract:
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.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
military cultural competence, female spouse, acculturation, military life
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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