Research on Fathers in the Military Context: Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

Fathering in the military context has been studied for decades. The general approach to this research has mirrored the way in which civilian fathering was studied, with an original emphasis on the deficiencies among fathers as parents, eventually giving way to examining the benefits of father involvement. Largely in the past decade, research has begun to examine the strengths of military fathers and how they can thrive as parents even as they live in a challenging work context. This review examines the literature on fathering in the military. In addition, the article encourages future research on military fathers to use more of a strengths‐based approach. Moreover, virtually nothing is known about civilian fathers who coparent with a service member. Future research should address this gap in understanding the full range of military family formations.

Protective Factors for Military Veteran Fathers’ Parenting Functioning and Satisfaction

“…Although much of the research related to military fathers has focused on parent or child dysfunction, there is a growing body of research that focuses on the families that thrive (Karre et al, 2018). The findings in this study support previous research that has found that social support and couple adjustment are related to parenting (Gewirtz et al, 2010).…”

“…This investigation, however, will examine recent active duty veterans. Fathers, specifically, are being examined as there has been a dearth of research on the positive behaviors in which military fathers engage (Karre et al, 2018). The strengths-based approach taken here will expand on the literature related to positive father involvement of military fathers, and it will also inform on what protective factors could help fathers who are struggling with parenting after a combat deployment.…”

When Fathers Are Involved: Examining Relational and Psychosocial Health among Military Families

“…Upon his return and increased involvement, the family system may feel that their adaptability is hindered, potentially altering family flexibility. During these times of change and disorganization, the marital relationship may be a key factor for family‐level and individual‐level outcomes (Karre et al, 2018).…”

“…relationship may be a key factor for family-level and individual-level outcomes (Karre et al, 2018).…”

“…In addition, fathers' involvement in discipline is associated with family flexibility, with authoritarian disciplinary behaviors increasing rigidity within the family (Carvalho, Fernandes, Relva, 2018). For military fathers specifically, deployment and reintegration may be especially challenging times (Karre et al, 2018). When fathers are separated from their family for periods of time (e.g., deployment, trainings), the family is likely to grow, change, and adapt without the father being present (Park, 2011).…”