Experiences of Military Youth During a Family Member’s Deployment

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.

Communication, Coping, and Connections: Campers’ and Parents’ Perspectives of Self-Efficacy and Benefits of Participation in Deployment Support Camps

“…When a parent is deployed, they may experience changes such as taking on more responsibilities at home, changes to everyday activities, and disruption of family routines (Bailey, Lang, Schoppe-Sullivan, & Ferrari, 2015;Knobloch, Pusateri, Ebata, & McGlaughlin, 2015). Upon return, military families must renegotiate boundaries (Bowling & Sherman, 2008;Drummet, Coleman, & Cable, 2003;LaraCinisomo et al, 2013;Mmari, Roche, Sudhinaraset, & Blum, 2009).…”

“…Upon return, military families must renegotiate boundaries (Bowling & Sherman, 2008;Drummet, Coleman, & Cable, 2003;LaraCinisomo et al, 2013;Mmari, Roche, Sudhinaraset, & Blum, 2009). During deployment, some military youth experience worry, greater anxiety, and emotional difficulties (Castenada et al, 2008;Knobloch et al, 2015;Lester et al, 2010;Mmari et al, 2009) and more stress (Flake, Davis, Johnson, & Middleton, 2009;Gorman, Eide, & Hisle-Gorman, 2010). Adolescents may worry not only about the deployed parent, but the parent who remains at home (Knobloch et al, 2015;Mmari et al, 2009).…”

“…During deployment, some military youth experience worry, greater anxiety, and emotional difficulties (Castenada et al, 2008;Knobloch et al, 2015;Lester et al, 2010;Mmari et al, 2009) and more stress (Flake, Davis, Johnson, & Middleton, 2009;Gorman, Eide, & Hisle-Gorman, 2010). Adolescents may worry not only about the deployed parent, but the parent who remains at home (Knobloch et al, 2015;Mmari et al, 2009). There may be increased behavior problems (Barker & Berry, 2009), problems at school (Pfefferbaum, Houston, Sherman, & Melson, 2011;Richardson et al, 2011), and increased family conflict (Knobloch et al, 2015).…”

“…Adolescents may worry not only about the deployed parent, but the parent who remains at home (Knobloch et al, 2015;Mmari et al, 2009). There may be increased behavior problems (Barker & Berry, 2009), problems at school (Pfefferbaum, Houston, Sherman, & Melson, 2011;Richardson et al, 2011), and increased family conflict (Knobloch et al, 2015). However, a meta-analysis of 16 studies of children of deployed service members showed small effect sizes and mixed results (Card et al, 2011).…”

“…Effectively dealing with challenging circumstances may be a catalyst for growth (Easterbrooks et al, 2013). Both youth and adults have reported strengthened relationships and family cohesion (Knobloch et al, 2015;Knobloch & Theiss, 2012) and increased independence and autonomy (Castenada et al, 2008;Knobloch et al, 2015;Knobloch & Theiss, 2012;Mmari et al, 2009) as a result of deployment. Pride in their deployed parent's service is also a positive theme that has been reported (Ferrari & Leonard, 2007;Houston et al, 2009;Knobloch et al, 2015).…”