Experiences of military youth during a family member’s deployment: Changes, challenges, and opportunities
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Pusateri, K. B., Ebata, A. T., & McGlaughlin, P. C. (2015). Experiences of military youth during a family member’s deployment: Changes, challenges, and opportunities. Youth & Society, 47(3), 319–342. doi:10.1177/0044118X12462040
Abstract Created by REACH:
Deployments have a great impact on military families; however, little is known about how military-affiliated children experience family life during a deployment. This study interviewed 33 children of Service members about their experiences during deployment. Results revealed that children experienced changes and challenges due to deployment, but they also reported positive opportunities of deployment and showed resilience.
Focus:
Children
Deployment
Youth
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Guard/Reserve member
Child of a service member or veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Interview
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Knobloch, Leanne K., Pusateri, Kimberly B., Ebata, Aaron T., McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
Abstract:
The deployment of a family member can be very distressing for military children, but it also can supply opportunities for growth. This study addresses calls for research on the changes, challenges, and opportunities facing youth during a family member’s tour of duty. It uses the relational turbulence model to frame research questions about how children experience a family member’s deployment. Participants were 33 military youth ranging from 10 to 13 years of age who completed one-on-one, semistructured interviews. They reported several changes to family life (Research Question 1), challenges of deployment (Research Question 2), and opportunities of deployment (Research Question 3). The results contribute to the literature by advancing theory, by providing insight into children’s experiences in their own words, and by suggesting practical guidelines for helping youth navigate a family member’s deployment.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
SAGE Publications
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, LKK
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, KBP
Department of Human and Community Development, University of Illinois, ATE
University of Illinois, PCM
Keywords:
military deployment, military youth, relational turbulence model, transitions
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
University of Illinois, Family Resiliency Center, US