Combat-related Parental Deployment: Identifying the Impact on Families with Preschool-age Children

Abstract

This manuscript describes a qualitative study using focus group methods to gain insight into how combat-related parental deployments affect preschool-age children. Using the Resiliency Model of Role Performance for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, the authors found that decreases in social connection and individual assets impacted the role performance of all family members. As parental role performance deteriorated, similarly did their children's behaviors and emotions. Results indicate the need for improved military and community support, especially during deployment; counseling and increased communication within the military, public schools, and family systems; and decreased stigma in help seeking for service personnel and veterans.

KEYWORDS:

• Military family
• deployment
• preschool
• young children
• role performance

Notes

This research was funded by the UAMS Department of Health Services Research in a grant awarded to Angie Waliski.