title: Adaption and adjustment of military spouses to overseas postings: an online forum study.
abstract: Little research has examined the impact of being an accompanying spouse on British military foreign postings. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of 13 military spouses from 11 different overseas locations. Data were collected via an online forum and thematic content analysis was conducted. Key findings revealed that, regardless of the location, reactions to overseas posting varied considerably and were related to the military spouse's personality and personal circumstances, as well as their relationship with family, husband and their support networks. Spouses experienced a loss of control over their lives that was in some cases psychologically distressing. The findings corroborate and extend the findings from a previous study that was limited to one location, further highlighting the need for pre-established support resources from the military and healthcare professionals to be readily accessible for all military spouses. Importantly, such support provision may also facilitate the military spouse in regaining some control over their everyday life, enhancing their well-being and the experience for the family.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Blakely
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: Man Cheung
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Skirton
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D065246:Culturally Competent Care; D005260:Female; D005551:Foreign Professional Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D009862:Online Systems; D010551:Personality; D032024:Personnel Delegation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: internet-based research; military relocation; online forum; overseas; relationship; spouse; well-being