Date of Conferral

5-8-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

U.S. female military spouses experience a number of challenges in sustaining their personal employment, career development, and career progression due to frequent military relocations. Previous studies have revealed that sustained employment provides individuals with a sense of purpose and identity, which significantly impacts overall well-being. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore experiences of U.S. female military spouses seeking employment after multiple relocations due to military reassignments and their perceived self-esteem post relocation. Self-determination theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. A generic qualitative approach and data from 13 participants’ individual interviews were collected and analyzed with content analysis for this study. Findings from this study support prior research stating that relocation moves do impact spouses’ employment opportunities and progression, that not all moves are the same, and military spouses’ self-esteem is negatively impacted by unemployment and/or underemployment. This study has made a unique qualitative contribution to positive social change and the literature regarding this phenomenon and results presented inform administrators of the need for programs and resources that support U.S. female military spouses in obtaining employment after military relocations.

Download

Share

 
COinS