A comparative case study of risk, resiliency, and coping among injured national guard

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lisa A. Gorman - , Michigan Public Health Institute (Author)
  • Angela J. Huebner - , Department of Paediatrics, Michigan Public Health Institute (Author)
  • Mara K. Hirschfeld - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Sudha Sankar - , Michigan State University (Author)
  • Adrian J. Blow - , Michigan State University (Author)
  • Danielle Guty - , Michigan Public Health Institute (Author)
  • Michelle Kees - , University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Author)
  • Joel S. Ketner - , Michigan State University (Author)

Abstract

An injury during deployment disrupts family and life functioning. The purpose of the present study was to provide an in-depth examination of three injured National Guard soldiers showing how differential experiences of navigating multiple systems to obtain treatment for injury resulted in different adjustment trajectories for these soldiers and their families. A comparative case study examined three families where a soldier’s injury was a central theme of family adjustment. Qualitative data were drawn from interviews conducted conjointly with both the soldier and spouse to provide an in-depth perspective of adjustment, meaning, and resource utilization patterns. In addition, survey data were collected at three time points in the deployment cycle (predeployment, 90 days post, and 1 year). These data were integrated into the case analysis, including mental health, marital relationship, treatment history, and characteristics of resilience. Study findings suggest that a delay in diagnosis, wait time for treatment, and the lack of comprehensive formal and financial support for a soldier following nonhostile injury lead to a pileup of stressors that are detrimental to the soldier’s physical and mental health, financial stability, and family well-being. Further study is needed to understand how these system level issues impede resilience among National Guard families.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-76
Number of pages7
JournalMilitary medicine : the official journal of AMSUS
Volume181
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - May 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 27168555

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas