This text introduces readers to the unique culture of military families, their resilience, and the challenges of military life. Personal stories from nearly 70 active duty, reservists, veterans, and their families from all branches and ranks of the military bring their experiences to life. A review of the latest research, theories, policies, and programs better prepares readers for understanding and working with military families. Objectives, key terms, tables, figures, summaries, and exercises, including web based exercises, serve as a chapter review. The book concludes with a glossary. Readers learn about diverse careers within which they can make important differences for families.　

Engaging vignettes are featured throughout:

Voices from the Frontline

offer personal accounts of issues faced by actual program leaders, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, service members, veterans, and their families.

Spotlight on Research

highlights the latest studies on dealing with combat related issues.

Best Practices

review the optimal strategies used in the field.

Tips from the Frontline

offer suggestions from experienced personnel.

Updated throughout including the latest demographic data, the new edition also features:

-New chapter (9) on women service members that addresses the accomplishments and challenges faced by this population including sexual bias and assault, and combat-related psychological disorders.

- New chapter (10) on veterans and families looks at veterans by era (e.g.WW2), each era's signature issues and how those impact programs and policies, and challenges veterans may face such as employment, education, and mental and physical health issues.

-Two new more comprehensive and cohesive chapters (11 & 12) review military and civilian programs, policies, and organizations that support military and veteran families.

-Additional information on TBI and PTSD, the deployment cycle, stress and resilience, the possible negative effects of military life on families, same-sex couples and their children, and the recent increase in suicides in the military.

-More applied cases and exercises that focus on providing services to military families.　

Intended as a text for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on military families or as a supplement for courses on the family, marriage and family, stress and coping, or family systems taught in family science, human development, clinical or counseling psychology, sociology, social work, and nursing, this book also appeals to helping professionals who work with military and veteran families.

Author: Karen Rose Blaisure, Tara Saathoff-Wells, Amy Laura Dombro
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 08/20/2015
Series: Textbooks in Family Studies
Pages: 410
Weight: 1.68lbs
Size: 9.90h x 6.90w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781138841253
2nd Edition

About the Author

Karen Blaisure is a Professor at Western Michigan University where she teaches a course on Family Life and the Military.

Tara Saathoff-Wells is a Research & Evaluation Scientist for the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at The Pennsylvania State University.

Angela Pereira is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and a consultant and educator on psychological health and military life issues.

Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth is Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Director of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.

Amy Dombro is a writer who develops resources for teachers, family support professionals, and community leaders to assist military and veteran families and children.