Paternal PTSD or depression, adolescent mental health, and family functioning: A study of UK military families

Abstract: Introduction: Adolescent mental health and family functioning have received limited attention in UK military families. This study investigated their association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in military fathers. Methods: In total, 105 serving and ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces, and 137 of their adolescent offspring (ages 11 to 17 years), were included in this cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Data were collected online and at home using validated questionnaires. Results: Probable PTSD or depression was associated with more impaired general family functioning (unadjusted b = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07–0.35; p = 0.003) and increased likelihood of adolescent mental health disorders (unadjusted OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.10–4.81; p = 0.027). The direction and strength of these associations did not substantially change after adjusting for covariates. Discussion: This highlights the importance of supporting the well-being of military families, especially when parents have mental health problems.

Read the full article
Report a problem with this article

Related articles

  • More for Researchers

    Qualitative analysis of the lived experience of reproductive and pediatric health care in the military health care system

    Abstract: Introduction: Persistent inequities exist in obstetric and neonatal outcomes in military families despite universal health care coverage. Though the exact underlying cause has not been identified, social determinants of health may uniquely impact military families. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the potential impact of social determinants of health and the lived experiences of military individuals seeking maternity care in the Military Health System. Materials and methods: This was an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Nine providers conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with individuals who delivered within the last 5 years in the direct or purchased care market. Participants were recruited through social media blasts and clinic flyers with both maximum variation and homogenous sampling to ensure participation of diverse individuals. Data were coded and themes were identified using inductive qualitative research methods. Results: Three main themes were identified: Requirements of Military Life (with subthemes of pregnancy notification and privacy during care, role of pregnancy instructions and policies, and role of command support), Sociocultural Aspects of the Military Experience (with subthemes of pregnancy as a burden on colleagues and a career detractor, postpartum adjustment, balancing personal and professional requirements, pregnancy timing and parenting challenges, and importance of friendship and camaraderie in pregnancy), and Navigating the Healthcare Experience (including subthemes of transfer between military and civilian care and TRICARE challenges, perception of military care as inferior to civilian, and remote duty stations and international care). Conclusions: The unique stressors of military life act synergistically with the existing health care challenges, presenting opportunities for improvements in care. Such opportunities may include increased consistency of policies across services and commands. Increased access to group prenatal care and support groups, and increased assistance with navigating the health care system to improve care transitions were frequently requested changes by participants.

    Physical Health Peer reviewed