Child Adjustment to Parental Combat Deployment: Risk and Resilience Models
Abstract
Parental deployment can disrupt the care children receive both as a result of deployment-related separation and the potentially destabilizing impact of deployment on the remaining caregiver and daily routines. This study collaboration is between civilian scientists and the behavioral health MEDDAC of the 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division. The project entails the assessment of parents (N=400) whose spouse/partner is currently deployed and has a child between the ages of 3 and 7. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to examine the role of caregiver behaviors in mitigating or exacerbating the risk associated with parental deployment in the prediction of child adaptation, (2) to identify and measure developmentally salient skills as indicators of current adaptation among children during preschool and early childhood, and (3) to delineate whether particular groups of children are at greater risk or demonstrate greater resilience in response to parental deployment. Current progress includes successful IRB exemption and survey development and deployment. Based on feedback from Fort Drum, we created an internet-based version of the survey to facilitate access to participants. Data collection has begun (n=161) and continues at this time. Initial data review indicates preliminary support for our ability to profile at-risk children and parents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA589961
Entities
People
- Deane Aikins
- Julie W. Aikins
Organizations
- University of Connecticut