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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

A systematic review of wellbeing in children: a comparison of military and civilian families

Authors: Victoria Williamson, Sharon A. M. Stevelink, Eve Da Silva, Nicola T. Fear

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Children in military families have uniquely different childhood experiences compared to their civilian peers, including a parent in employment and a stable familial income, frequent relocations, indirect exposure to and awareness of conflict, and extended separation from parents or siblings due to deployment. However, whether children from military families have poorer wellbeing than non-military connected children is not well understood.

Method

We conducted a systematic review to explore the relationship between military family membership (e.g. parent or sibling in the military) and child wellbeing compared to non-military connected controls. Searches for this review were conducted in September 2016 and then updated in February 2018.

Results

Nine studies were identified, eight were cross-sectional. All studies utilised self-report measures administered in US school settings. On the whole, military connected youth were not found to have poorer wellbeing than civilian children, although those with deployed parents and older military connected children were at greater risk of some adjustment difficulties (e.g. substance use, externalising behaviour). Although only assessed in two studies, having a sibling in the military and experiencing sibling deployment was statistically significantly associated with substance use and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study is unique in its direct comparison of military and non-military connected youth. Our results highlight the need to examine the impact of military service in siblings and other close relatives on child wellbeing. Given the adverse impact of poor mental health on child functioning, additional research is needed ensure appropriate, evidence-based interventions are available for youth in military families.

Data from the 2008 HYS was used by Reed et al. [14, 26]. For the present study, data regarding child suicidal ideation and poor quality of life was utilised from Reed et al. [14] and data regarding child violent behaviour and substance use was included from Reed et al. [26] to avoid potential overlap. Gilreath et al. [15] reported CHKS data on substance use in 7th, 9th and 11th graders recruited during February–March 2011. Cederbaum et al. [31] reported CHKS data on suicidal ideation, depression and positive affect in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade graders recruited during 2011. Gilreath et al. [29] used CHKS data on substance use collected from 9th to 11th graders during 2012–2013. Sullivan et al. [27] reported CHKS data on substance use and violent behaviour in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students collected during March–April 2013.

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Title: A systematic review of wellbeing in children: a comparison of military and civilian families
Authors: Victoria Williamson
Sharon A. M. Stevelink
Eve Da Silva
Nicola T. Fear
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-018-0252-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A systematic review of wellbeing in children: a comparison of military and civilian families

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

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