TITLE:
Comparison of Social and Economic Stress in Military and Civilian Families: A Rapid Review of the Evidence
AUTHORS:
Heng Jiang, Rowan Dowling, Mohajer Hameed, Felicity Painter, An Vuong, Anna Booth, Jessica Opie, Jessica Boh, Natalie McLean, Jennifer E. McIntosh
KEYWORDS:
Military, Family, Civilian, Social and Economic Outcomes, Rapid Review
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.11,
October
24,
2022
ABSTRACT: Although many military families
demonstrate resilience and strength, research
highlights that military service may impact the health and wellbeing of
families. In comparison with civilian families, military families are embedded
within a broader military context and culture which may influence many aspects
of family life, including socioeconomic status and social participation. This rapid review utilised a systematic methodology
to synthesise the evidence of comparing possible differences of the
socioeconomic and social participation of military families with civilian
families. Relevant online databases such as Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and
ProQuest Central were searched for articles published between January 2000 and
February 2022. After screening 3057 articles, five studies were included for
analysis. The results highlight considerable income, education and employment
gaps between current serving military and civilian spouses. An association was
found between social, economic status and increased risk of violence or
assaults in military families. Specifically, younger age and decline in health
status were key predictors of domestic violence assaults in military families. This
review highlights emerging evidence and recommends further Australian-based
research with military families. Policy,
research, and practice implications are discussed with consideration to preventative interventions tailored
towards strengthening health, wellbeing, and socio-economic status of
military families.