Communication of military couples during deployment and reunion: Changes, challenges, benefits, and advice
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Basinger, E. D., Wehrman, E. C., Ebata, A. T., & McGlaughlin, P. C. (2016). Communication of military couples during deployment and reunion: Changes, challenges, benefits, and advice. Journal of Family Communication, 16 (2), 160-179. http://doi/10.1080/15267431.2016.1146723
Abstract Created by REACH:
Deployment means changes and adjustments for military couples. Using open-ended questions, the study investigated military couples' views and experiences during deployment and reintegration. Results supported the emotional cycle of deployment model, which indicated that military couples faced specific obstacles and opportunities at each stage of deployment.
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Guard/Reserve member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Emperical Study
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Knobloch, Leanne K., Basinger, Erin D., Wehrman, Erin C., Ebata, Aaron T., McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
Abstract:
Theemotional cycle of deployment modelproposes that military couples face both obstacles and opportunities across the trajectory of deployment. Guided by the model, we seek to address gaps in the literature by investigating how 236 recently reunited service members and at-home partners (N = 118 couples) describe their experiences during deployment and reunion. Results of content analyses revealed a variety of changes to communication during deployment (RQ1), challenges of reunion (RQ2), benefits of deployment (RQ3), and advice for reintegration (RQ4). These findings bolster and extend the emotional cycle of deployment model; they also have practical utility for helping military couples navigate deployment and reunion.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, LKK
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, EDB
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, ECW
Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, ATE
University of Illinois Extension, IL, PGM
Keywords:
attitude, psychology, change, communication, evaluation, content analysis, deployment (military strategy), emotions, families of military personnel, reunions, psychological aspects, united states
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
University of Illinois, Family Resiliency Center