Influences of cumulative risk and protective factors on the adjustment of adolescents in military families
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Lucier-Greer, M., Arnold, A. L., Mancini, J. A., Ford, J. L., & Bryant, C. M. (2015). Influences of cumulative risk and protective factors on the adjustment of adolescents in military families. Family Relations, 64(3), 363-377. doi:10.1111/fare.12123
Abstract Created by REACH:
The well-being of adolescents in families with at least one Active Duty military parent was examined in light of risk factors (both general and specific to military families) as well as protective factors. Experience of cumulative risk factors was a predictor of increased depression, decreased academic performance, and decreased persistence. Social support, from within the family and from outside the family, minimized relationships between cumulative risk factors and adolescents’ outcomes.
Focus:
Children
Mental health
Youth
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Child of a service member or veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Arnold, Amy L., Mancini, Jay A., Ford, James L., Bryant, Chalandra M.
Abstract:
The accumulation of stressors is adversely related to adolescent well-being. Using the contextual model of family stress and the theory of community action and change, the authors explored normative and context-specific risks factors among adolescents from military families (N = 1,036) and the role of relationships (family, informal networks, formal systems) as protective factors. Youth who reported higher levels of cumulative risk experienced more depressive symptoms, lower academic performance, and lower persistence. When accounting for family support and presence of informal networks, depressive symptoms were lower, academic performance was higher, and persistence was higher; participation in formal systems was associated with better academic performance. The influential nature of cumulative risk was mitigated in the presence of meaningful relationships, providing support for empirically grounded leverage points to enhance positive youth development.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University, MLG
Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, ALA
Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, JAM
Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, JLF
Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, CMB
Keywords:
adolescents, cumulative risk, military, positive youth development, protective factors, social relationships
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US, Grant Number: 2009-48680-06069