Date of Conferral

11-21-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Dororthy Seabook

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to increase understanding of military spouses’ perceptions of family stress and resilience during multiple relocations. On average, active-duty military families relocate every 2 to 4 years, placing additional stress on them. It has been argued that military spouses, because of their central roles, are uniquely positioned to demonstrate resilience, thus providing an important perspective for this study. Understanding specific risks and resiliency from the perspectives of service members’ spouses can enrich knowledge from which human service professionals can learn. The study was grounded in the resiliency model of stress, adjustment, and adaptation. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions with 11 active-duty military spouses regarding their perceptions of family stress and resilience during multiple relocations. Data was subsequently analyzed using the thematic inductive data analysis process and recorded, coded, categorized, and compiled into themes. Key themes were navigating emotional and logistical challenges, leveraging social and community support for resilience, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The themes revealed significant stress and resiliency factors participants experienced during military relocations. The findings may contribute to social change and impact social determinants of health by informing human and social service providers, leading to improved services and resources for active-duty military members and their families.

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