This article highlights theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence that illustrate the relevance of systemic approaches to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. We discuss examples of family-centered approaches already in place and identify gaps in existing systems of care.
Publications
Information about selected journal articles, papers, and other documents authored or formally reviewed by MFRI researchers and other staff:
Implications of posttraumatic stress among military-affiliated and civilian students (2012)
The authors aimed to determine whether the unique experiences of student service members/veterans resulted in “invisible wounds” above and beyond those experienced by their civilian counterparts, and to determine the degree to which PTS symptoms among military affiliated students are associated with alcohol-related consequences and academic performance.
An examination of PTSD and relationship functioning in soldiers of the Iraq war over time (2012)
This article examined PTSD symptoms, symptom clusters of PTSD and relationship adjustment from a sample of U.S. National Guard soldiers from the Iraq war and their intimate partners. The results revealed that PTSD symptom severity significantly predicted lower relationship adjustment as rated by partners.
Prospective evaluation of mental health and deployment experience among women in the U.S. military (2012)
Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study, the authors examined positive screens in military women for depression, anxiety, panic and PTSD in relation to deployment in support of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Military families: Extreme work and extreme “work-family” (2011)
Although the U.S. military had already implemented extensive programs, policies and practices to support families prior to the current conflicts, the wars and demographic changes have spurred the development of innovative new models, some far outside previous boundaries of military workforce flexibility.
Military fathers’ perspectives on involvement (2011)
This article describes military fathers’ range of involvement with their children, paying special attention to deployment separation and reintegration.
A comparative analysis of student service member/veteran and civilian student drinking motives (2011)
This article examined the drinking motivations of student service members/military veterans and civilian college students, and revealed no differences between military affiliated and civilian students in alcohol motivations.
Helping children and families reconnect after a military deployment (2011)
MFRI, in cooperation with the Indiana National Guard, created “Passport Towards Success,” a program designed to strengthen communication skills that help children and families reconnect following a parent’s military deployment. This article summarizes findings from the program’s evaluation.
Passport Toward Success: Description and evaluation of a program designed to help children and families reconnect after a military deployment (2011)
This article evaluates Passport Toward Success, a program that rotates children whose military parent has recently returned from deployment through three interactive stations. The children practice skills related to coping with stress, problem-solving and discussing feelings along with similar-age peers.
Family risk and resilience in the context of war and terrorism (2010)
In this review, MacDermid Wadsworth considers the implications of mass violence for families. Mass violence poses significant threats to mental health and family functioning, but individuals and families also display striking levels of resilience.