The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University has named a groundbreaking study on the connections between childhood trauma, stressors and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in military couples as the winner of the 2024 Barbara Thompson Excellence in Research on Military and Veteran Families Award. This research stands out for its comprehensive approach, analyzing data from more than 3,300 military couples to reveal how early-life trauma and recent stressors predict mental health outcomes in both service members and their spouses. Its findings offer critical insights that can shape trauma-informed care and policies to better support military families.
Principal author Kathrine Sullivan, an associate professor at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, published the paper with co-authors Yangjin Park, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington; Sabrina Richardson, a developmental psychologist at the Naval Health Research Center; Julie Cederbaum, an associate professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California; Valerie Stander, a research psychologist at the Naval Health Research Center; and James Jaccard, professor emeritus at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University.
The study highlighted how childhood maltreatment is the most significant predictor of PTSS and revealed that it also amplifies the effects of nonmilitary stressors on mental health. By examining experiences of childhood maltreatment, recent stressors (military and nonmilitary) and PTSS, the research provides actionable recommendations for professionals, policymakers and families alike. It emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care, urging professionals to screen for traumatic childhood experiences and equip families with tools to cope. The study also calls on policymakers and military leadership to incorporate objectives related to coping with childhood trauma and nonmilitary stressors into programs designed to help military families with PTSS.
The researchers published their article, “Early and Recent Military and Nonmilitary Stressors Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Military Service Members and Their Spouses,” in November 2023 in Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Five other finalists were recognized for their exceptional contributions to military family research. These studies addressed topics such as state-level suicide rates in honor cultures, the evolving concerns of military spouses during post-deployment, the relationship dynamics affects by PTSD and anger, and the factors that influence veterans’ engagement in PTSD therapy. Three additional articles were recognized with honorable mentions.
The Barbara Thompson Research Award is one of the most selective honors in the field of military and veteran family research. Each year, a large panel of esteemed scholars evaluates every relevant article published during the eligible year, using a rigorous, multi-round review process and standardized criteria. Out of more than 700 articles reviewed, only nine were recognized for their exceptional contributions.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Headquarters in Arlington, VA, showcasing the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world impact. The event featured two compelling panel discussions designed to drive innovation and collaboration. In the morning, finalists shared their groundbreaking findings and explored actionable implications for policy and practice. The afternoon brought together leaders from military family-focused nonprofits to discuss how research fuels their work, address challenges and gaps in data and identify opportunities for partnerships.
A recording of the event and summaries of each article receiving recognition are available now on mfri.purdue.edu/thompson.
About MFRI
The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University conducts research on issues that affect military and veteran families and works to shape policies, programs and practices that improve their well-being. Founded in 2000, MFRI envisions a diverse support community that understands and addresses the most pressing needs of military and veteran families. To achieve this, MFRI collaborates to create meaningful solutions for them. This internationally recognized organization is housed in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, in the Department of Human Development and Family Science.