Families Coping with Military-Related PTSD: A Grounded Theory Approach
Date
2022-03-01
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Abstract
Social workers perceive life as being intertwined with multiple systems, which is relevant for military families given the strong connection to peers, the nature of work, military culture, and policies. Most veterans (65.6%) are married, and two-thirds have children. Family systems theory explains how PTSD in the family affects family members who must cope with disturbing behaviours from the military member. Although military-related PTSD has been studied in the U.S. for a decade, Canadian research is in its infancy. While family members have the potential to provide ongoing support and are integral to healing, family coping is understudied. In response to the gaps, I answered the research question “How do families cope when residing with a military parent experiencing military-related PTSD?” I used Corbin and Strauss’ (2015) grounded theory research to guide this study. Following theoretical sampling, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 nonmilitary parents and four adult children in Alberta. Grounded theory provided direction for structured coding procedures, including open, axial, and selective coding. The theory of Family Evolving was constructed, which involved six oscillating states of functioning: stability/healthy; instability/wavering; crisis/emergency; re-balancing/rebuilding; recurring instability/deflated hope; and refocusing/evolving functioning. Based on the levels of stress and available resources, families oscillated between these states, shifting behaviours in response to military parents’ symptoms. Challenges that families face intersect with presenting concerns, family dynamics, and coping. Family responses formed a feedback loop.
The Family Evolving theory corroborates family systems theory, ecological systems theory, and theories of coping. The findings have important implications for military families, social work practice, theory, education, policy, and research. Social workers play an important role in working with military families and need to incorporate a family friendly approach by including them in the healing process. With ongoing knowledge and targeted family and macro interventions, military families will be better able adapt to the challenges of military-related PTSD. Further research could explore expand the sample to include military members/veterans and families across Canada. This would involve conducting more research with children and look at other diverse military families.
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Keywords
coping, military familes, oscillating states of functioning, military-related PTSD
Citation
Collins, T. (2022). Families Coping with Military-Related PTSD: A Grounded Theory Approach (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.