Advancing Research and Theory on Aging Military Veterans in a Relational Context

Monk, J. Kale; Proulx, Christine M.; Marini, Christina; Fiori, Katherine L.

doi:10.1111/jftr.12378

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 146 publications

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“…The experiences of military couples, too, hinge on social identities and power structures (McClendon et al, 2021; Monk et al, 2020). For instance, service members may encounter stressors applicable to military life coupled with other social identities that subject them to marginalization.…”

Section: Defining Relationship Maintenancementioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship maintenance among military couples

Knobloch

Monk

Wadsworth

2022

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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A burgeoning body of research on the relationship maintenance of military couples over the past two decades suggests the time is right to organize, assimilate, and critique the literature. We conducted a systematic review informed by the integrative model of relationship maintenance that considered issues of intersectionality. Our literature search identified 81 relevant journal articles representing 62 unique samples. With respect to theory, 59.3% of the journal articles employed one or more formal theoretical frameworks. In terms of research design, 88.7% of the studies focused on the U.S. military, 83.9% of the studies recruited convenience samples, 54.8% of the studies utilized quantitative methods, and 30.6% of the studies collected longitudinal data. Among the studies reporting sample demographics, 96.8% of participants were married, 77.2% of participants identified as non-Hispanic White, and only one same-sex relationship was represented. Our narrative synthesis integrated findings about relationship maintenance from studies examining (a) relationship maintenance overtly, (b) communicating to stay connected across the deployment cycle, (c) disclosure and protective buffering, (d) support from a partner, (e) dyadic coping, and (f) caregiving and accommodating a partner’s symptoms. We interpret our results with an eye toward advancing theory, research, and practice.

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Section: Defining Relationship Maintenancementioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship maintenance among military couples

Knobloch

Monk

Wadsworth

2022

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

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“…Indeed, supportive social relationships and a sense of community are critical for veterans and their families as they provide a sense of belonging and numerous health benefits (Monk et al, 2020). However, veterans experience disparities in social connection due to a sense of isolation or disconnection with their civilian communities and family who do not share their experiences (e.g., Ahern et al, 2015; Demers, 2011).…”

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confidence: 99%

Translating Discovery Science. Fostering relationships: Service provider perspectives on community building among veteran families

et al. 2022

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Objective We sought to identify the social process through which communal support can be established among veteran couples and families. Background On the basis of the social organization theory of action and change, a sense of community is crucial for military veterans' well‐being and may serve as a resource for intervention. Method We interviewed service providers (n = 8) and corroborated their perspectives by triangulating evaluations from veteran family participants (n = 143). Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Results Providers suggested promoting a sense of community in prevention and intervention programming by (a) establishing a safe and empowering space, (b) bridging existing gaps within family and community systems, and (c) encouraging interpersonal healing by promoting connection and facilitating the sharing of common experiences. Providers also described challenges to facilitating the program, including logistics, time, and funding constraints. Conclusion According to our results, fostering community among veterans and their family members may be achieved by applying an integrative approach that goes beyond siloed individual, couple, and group therapy orchestrated by practitioners. Implications We recommend multicomponent interventions that create synergy between different levels and forms of social support. Providers recommended being intentional about the program structure to focus on community strengths and shared connection.

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Application: Family Systems Theory in the Military Context

Monk

Marini²

2022

Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methodologies

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Advancing Research and Theory on Aging Military Veterans in a Relational Context

Cited by 3 publications

References 146 publications

Relationship maintenance among military couples

Relationship maintenance among military couples

Translating Discovery Science. Fostering relationships: Service provider perspectives on community building among veteran families

Application: Family Systems Theory in the Military Context

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