Resilient Parents… Resilient Communities: A Pilot Study Trialing the Bounce Back and Thrive! Resilience-Training Program With Military Families

Abstract

IntroductionThe resilience of Canadian military families (CMFs) – the main support of the Canadian Armed Forces service members (SMs) – is imperative. The Canadian Armed Forces aims to ensure that SMs and their families are resilient and SMs ready to respond when called upon for combat, peacekeeping or pandemic/disaster-response. Family concerns, however, can realistically distract SMs from the mission, potentially compromising themselves, their unit and the mission. Resilience-training programs such as Bounce Back and Thrive! (BBT) can help families manage the realities of military life.ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to evaluate suitability of BBT implementation by Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs), including whether BBT: (1) fosters resilience-building among parents, (2) facilitates CMF resilience-building, (3) can be contextualized for CMFs, and (4) supports MFRCs in cultivating a culture of resilience.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative design was used. BBT was offered to parents face-to-face. Participants completed focus groups after the first 6 sessions, final 4 sessions, and one-year post-intervention. Data was thematically analyzed.ResultsNine military parents participated. Four major themes resulted: (1) military parent resilience-building, (2) CMF resilience-building, (3) BBT program feedback and contextualization, and (4) MFRCs as community resilience hubs.DiscussionBBT enabled parents to gain a new perspective on resilience, engage in dialogue and intentionally role model resilience skills. Military-specific BBT contextualization and online-delivery formats would increase suitability and access for CMFs. Access to resilience programs delivered through MFRCs would support CMFs. Further research is warranted.

Evaluating the Emotion Regulation Program on Enhancing Family Resilience

“…The practical application of emotion regulation training as an intervention to enhance individual satisfaction, wellbeing, and resilience has received recognition (Behrouian et al, 2021). Such training is seen as a pathway to developing critical abilities associated with resilience, which in turn leads to healthier relationships and a reduced susceptibility to depression (Mikolas et al, 2021). The established relationship between emotion regulation and resilience, where good self-regulation is linked to positive relationships and adaptability to challenges, further substantiates the value of emotion regulation training in fostering family resilience (Azara et al, 2022).…”

“…Given the substantial evidence supporting the benefits of emotion regulation training, such interventions are increasingly recognized as practical means to enhance individual well-being, satisfaction, and resilience (Behrouian et al, 2021). The cultivation of key resiliencerelated abilities, including emotion regulation, not only contributes to the formation of healthier interpersonal relationships but also reduces the risk of depression (Mikolas et al, 2021). This intricate relationship between emotion regulation and resilience is further explored in the literature, with effective self-regulation being closely associated with the ability to maintain positive relationships and adapt successfully to life's challenges (Azara et al, 2022).…”