Families Support to Transition: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Søndergaard, Susanne Friis; Robertson, Kate; Silfversten, Erik; Anderson, Brent; Meads, C; Schaefer, Agnes Gereben; Larkin, Jody

doi:10.7249/rr1511

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 51 publications

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“…Key concepts found in the current literature regarding AAIs for military families are aligned with the broader literature on military family-focused interventions. In both the literature on military family-focused interventions more broadly and the literature on AAIs for military families, interventions primarily take place in the context of a veteran receiving a diagnosis of PTSD, or when intimate partner violence has occurred ( 49 ). Family involvement in treatment for PTSD has been shown to potentially reduce dropout rates, which are a major concern for treatment success ( 50 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal-assisted interventions for military families: a systematic review

Nieforth,

Leighton

2024

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionThe incorporation of animals into interventions focused on military families is a relatively new concept. Though animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have been studied in the context of military veterans, few studies incorporate members of the military family or focus on the family members’ experiences.MethodsThis systematic review investigates the effects of AAIs on the wellbeing of military family members beyond the veteran themselves through three aims: (1) by describing the characteristics of AAIs for military family members, (2) by evaluating the quality of the methodology present within the current literature, and (3) by identifying key concepts and knowledge gaps within the findings reported to date.ResultsA total of nine articles met the criteria to be included in the review. Though the inclusion criteria and search terms included all types of animal-assisted interventions, the only interventions represented were service dogs (n = 4) and equine-assisted services (n = 5).DiscussionFindings suggest AAIs could be beneficial in areas such as communication, relational bonds, and psychosocial well-being. Though additional research is necessary, AAIs may be an effective complementary intervention for military families.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal-assisted interventions for military families: a systematic review

Nieforth,

Leighton

2024

Front. Public Health

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Family-focused interventions and resources for veterans and their families.

Sherman

Larsen²

2018

Psychological Services

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Accelerated by the decreasing military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, many military members are currently transitioning out of active duty into civilian life. Many of these new veterans have recently experienced combat deployment(s), and some are struggling with the aftermath of combat exposure, separation from family, and reintegration stressors. These challenges often follow these military families as they enter the civilian world, a time with its own major life changes vocationally, socially, and interpersonally. Although numerous resources have been developed to assist service members during their transition to the civilian world, relatively fewer exist for partners, children, and broader family systems. Family psychoeducation is a nonpathologizing, strengths-focused model of care that has documented benefits in the arena of mental illness. This article describes some manualized family psychoeducational programs and online and phone-based resources that may be useful to veteran families during this time of change. The programs and resources described herein are all available for free, primarily online. Because of a wide variety of barriers and limitations for family based care in the Veterans Affairs health care system, veteran families are and will continue to seek mental health care in public sector settings. Community providers can enhance their military culture competence by familiarizing themselves with these resources and drawing upon them in working with transitioning military families. (PsycINFO Database Record

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