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Parental combat injury and early child development: a conceptual model for differentiating effects of visible and
Lisa A Gorman1, Hiram E Fitzgerald, Adrian J Blow
1University Outreach and Engagement, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 4882, USA. gormanL1@msu.edu
Insights
Service members' combat injuries impact their entire family system, especially young children. Understanding these effects is crucial for healthcare professionals supporting veterans and their families.
Area of Science:
- Family Systems Theory
- Military Psychology
- Child Development
Background:
- Combat injuries (physical and emotional) affect service members and their families.
- Family functioning is influenced by parental illness, injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of service member injuries on family systems.
- To focus on the effects on young children.
- To inform healthcare professionals working with veterans.
Main Methods:
- Meta-ethnographic approach used to synthesize health research literature.
- Included studies examining parental illness, injury, and PTSD effects on family functioning.
- Utilized a systemic framework to conceptualize effects.
Main Results:
- Developed a heuristic model illustrating direct and indirect effects of parental injury on families.
- Identified contextual factors that promote resilience and buffer negative impacts.
- Highlighted the influence on young children's development.
Conclusions:
- Parental combat injuries have profound effects on family functioning and child development.
- Resilience factors are critical for mitigating negative outcomes.
- The model provides a foundation for future research, interventions, and policy.
Abstract:
The injuries (physical and emotional) sustained by service members during combat influence all members of a family system. This review used a systemic framework to conceptualize the direct and indirect effects of a service member's injury on family functioning, with a specific focus on young children. Using a meta-ethnographic approach to synthesize the health research literature from a variety of disciplines, this review makes relevant linkages to health care professionals working with injured veterans. Studies were included that examined how family functioning (psychological and physical) is impacted by parental illness; parental injury; and posttraumatic stress disorder. The synthesis of literature led to the development of a heuristic model that illustrates both direct and indirect effects of parental injury on family functioning and the development of young children. It further illustrates the contextual factors or moderating variables that buffer detrimental effects and promote family resilience. This model can be a foundation for future research, intervention, and policy.
