A systematic review of the impact of foreign postings on accompanying spouses of military personnel

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Nursing and Health Sciences

Publication Date

3-1-2012

Abstract

Military spouses frequently cope with separation, but limited research reviewing the impact of an overseas relocation when a spouse accompanies their serving husband/wife has been conducted. A search for studies reviewing the impact of foreign postings on these accompanying spouses was undertaken utilizing 12 databases and other resources. Ultimately, 12 studies were analyzed and four key themes produced: functioning of a military family on an international posting, loss, wellbeing and support. Overall, additional stressors are associated with an overseas posting and experiences are specific to an individual and their circumstances. Further research is required to examine the potential relationship between a spouse's experiences overseas and the impact on their health and wellbeing. This would help to identify possible areas of health care provision and support necessary to maximize a military spouse's experience. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

ISSN

1441-0745

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

121

Last Page

132

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Health and wellbeing, Health care, Military spouse, Overseas postings, Relocation, Systematic review

Scopus ID

84857195752

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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