Military Families and Deployment Stress: Idenitifying factors that contribute to successful coping

• In Event: Crime and Justice Issues in the Military: Perspectives from the U.S. and U.K.

Abstract

Research provides substantial evidence that violence in the American family is both widespread and damaging. The current study aims to examine factors that help military families manage stress associated with deployment. Guided by the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems (Olson, Russell, and Sprinkle 1989), the study is aimed at assessing whether two central variables, cohesion and flexibility, act as protective factors for families during and in the months immediately following such a separation. An online survey of approximately 260 spouses or domestic partners of recently deployed military personnel provides the data. Couples without children were excluded from the study. Implications for future reseach, as well as additional mechanisms of support for military familes are discussed.

Authors

• Dianne Carmody, Old Dominion University

• Sara Mendelson, Old Dominion University