Reports and Papers
This page contains a list of reports, articles, papers, and other documents that have been authored, created, or formally reviewed by researchers and other staff members of the Military Family Research Institute.
- The Higher Education Landscape
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2009
- Authors: Sternberg, M., MacDermid, S., Vaughan, J., & Carlson, R.
- Download: The Higher Education Landscape (pdf)
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Abstract:
In the wake of changes the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) sought to gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of support for student service members and veterans in the universities and colleges across Indiana. MFRI did this by assessing awareness of the student veteran population in colleges and universities in Indiana; determine what supports and services existed to assist military members and their families as they entered or returned to higher education; increase awareness of the needs of student service members and veterans; and increase the visibility of promising programming for student service members and veterans. The report aimed to identify gaps in support for student service members and veterans and to share possible new strategies that institutions could implement to ensure access and success for this unique population. As a result of the techniques used to gather information for this report, MFR found that campuses across Indiana were unevenly prepared to assist student service members and veterans as they transitioned from military service to higher education.
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- Ambiguous Absence, Ambiguous Presence: A Longitudinal Study of Military Families in War Time
- Publisher: Journal of Family Psychology
- Year: 2008
- Authors: Faber, A., Willerton, E., Clymer, S., MacDermid, S., Weiss, H.
- Download: Ambiguous Absence (pdf)
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Abstract:
This qualitative study examines ambiguous loss in military reserve families over time. Thirty-four reservists, spouses, and parents were interviewed seven times within the first year of the reservist’s return from Iraq. During deployment, all family members experienced boundary ambiguity. Gathering information and attending a family support group provided some relief for families. After the reservists’ return, couples as well as those who experienced additional life transitions or losses experienced the highest levels of boundary ambiguity. However, this boundary ambiguity dissipated over time, as families tended to re-stabilize once the reservist returned to work and a routine was established. Clinical and policy implications are discussed.
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- Understanding and Promoting Resilience in Military Families
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2008
- Authors: MacDermid, S., Samper, R., Schwarz, R., Nishida, J., & Nyaronga, D.
- Download: Understanding and Promoting Resilience (pdf)
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Abstract:
This review of scientific evidence about resilience in children and families was compiled at the request of the Office of Military Community and Family Policy in the United States Department of Defense. The purpose of the review is to examine research conducted in civilian and (where available) military settings that may provide insights about individual and family resilience in the face of events that might have impacts similar to deployment. Ultimately, such insights may provide guidance regarding strategies likely to prove successful in minimizing any negative effects of deployment on military families and children.
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- Influences on Job Search Self-Efficacy of Spouses of Enlisted Military Personnel
- Publisher: Human Performance; Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2007
- Authors: Trougakos, J., Bull, R., Green, S., MacDermid, S., & Weiss, H.
- Download: Influences on Job Search Self (pdf)
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Abstract:
Using the 1997 survey of spouses, this study examines the influence of employment status, family characteristics, childcare conflict (CCC) and employment assistance programs on job search self-efficacy (JSSE) of 6,411 spouses of enlisted military personnel. Annual income and financial situation positively influenced JSSE while CCC negatively predicted JSSE. Employment status had a positive influence on JSSE however, underemployed spouses reported lower levels of JSSE. The use of employment assistance programs increased spouses' JSSE even after considering the above factors.
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- Military Libraries: Their Roles and Importance
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University
- Year: 2006
- Authors: Welch, E., Meyer, R., MacDermid, S. M., Weiss, H.
- Download: Military Libraries - Their Roles (pdf)
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Abstract:
This study examines the state of military libraries around the world by focusing on satisfaction with specific facets of library services and their perceived impact on retention and quality of life. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques (i.e., interviews with Head Librarians for each branch of service; focus groups of military members and dependents conducted at CONUS and OCONUS locations), the study addressed the following issues: meeting the needs of the military community; duplication of services available from local public libraries; quality of service; technology; adequacy of facilities, equipment and materials; and delivery of library programs. Some findings differed by service, but overall, the data suggest that, in CONUS, military libraries fall short of civilian libraries however, they are important sources of information re military culture and professional development. PCS information, children's programs, and materials provided to deployed units are particularly valued. The majority of recommendations for improving services related to improving facilities, equipment and materials, specifically computers and internet access.
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- Military OneSource: Its Use, Impact and Effectiveness
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2006
- Authors: Sprenkle, D., Ko, M., & MacDermid, S.
- Download: Military OneSource (pdf)
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Abstract:
Four sources of quantitative and qualitative data were used to assess 1) the extent of overall use of OneSource, 2) reasons for non-use, 3) use of specific OneSource services, 4) clients’ perceptions of the effectiveness with which the service met their concerns, 5) the impact of the service, 6) client satisfaction with the service, 7) the time it saved clients, 8) client subjective reactions to OneSource, and 9) professional assessment of the quality of OneSource. Overall findings concluded that for people who use it, OneSource addressed members concerns, had a positive impact, saved a modest amount of time, and created a very satisfactory user experience. Efforts should be made to make more members aware of OneSource and to find better ways to co-ordinate services within the military.
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- Adjustments among Adolescents in Military Families When a Parent is Deployed
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2005
- Authors: Huebner, A., & Mancini, J.
- Download: Adjustments Among Adolescents (pdf)
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Abstract:
This qualitative study explores the many dimensions of the deployment experiences of 107adolescents (54% male) in military families in order to better inform program professionals in developing support programs for young people. The focus is on adolescent resilience - their ability to respond to changes in family life related to the demands of military service. Key themes emerging from predeployment, deployment, post-deployment/ reunion, stress, changes in routines and responsibilities, behaviors, and at-home parent are discussed along with findings on adolescent support networks. Implications for program professionals re provision of services and curriculum development as well as implications related to deployment phases are put forth.
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- Attitudes, Aptitudes, and Aspirations of American Youth: Implications for Military Recruitment
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2005
- Authors: Authors: Schwarz, R., Mehta-Jackson, A., & Schultheis, M.
- Download: Attitudes Aptitudes (pdf)
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Abstract:
This research brief reports on recent demographic and social issues discussed in a book from the National Research Council's Committee on Youth Population and Military Recruitment. The Committee findings and recommendations center around youth influencers, youth values, and youth career goals and opportunities. Implications for quality of life policymakers are discussed.
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- Military Fathers on the Front Lines
- Publisher: In W. Marsiglio, K. Roy, & G. L. Fox (Eds.), Situated fathering: A focus on physical and social spaces. Boulder, CO: Rowman & Littlefield.
- Year: 2005
- Authors: MacDermid, S. M., Schwarz, R., Faber, A., Adkins, J., Mishkind., M., & Weiss, H.
- Download: Fathers On The Front Lines (pdf)
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Abstract:
Using data gathered through focus groups conducted with 27 fathers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, this chapter examines how the physical, temporal, and social settings associated with military deployments affect men's thoughts and actions as fathers, and offers new insights on how deployed military fathers encounter and deal with challenges to their involvement as parents. Despite dangerous physical conditions of war and limited opportunities to engage in direct interaction with their children, some fathers take creative steps to ensure they remain a presence in their children's lives while other fathers disengage and abdicate their parenting responsibilities.
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- Military OneSource Counseling: First Armored Division Pilot Counseling Program
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2005
- Authors: Sprenkle, D., MacDermid, S., & Ko, M.
- Download: Military OneSource Counseling (pdf)
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Abstract:
Military OneSource is a resource created to offer military members and their families 24/7 help with both day-to-day issues and larger problems from any location. However, the network of typical OneSource counselors available in the U.S. is not available in Europe. This document reports on a program that created new non-medical counseling resources for military families at multiple Army installations in Germany and one in Italy. Data came from 45 counselors regarding 1800 contacts. Findings suggest that the project was successful. The majority of cases were not "at risk." Most of the contacts related to family problems and deployments issues. Interventions included listening/rapport building/support, and education/information/consultation.
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- The Value of Caregiving: A Comparative Analysis of Compensation in Military Child Development Centers
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2005
- Authors: Schwarz, R. L., Swan, R., MacDermid, S. M.
- Download: Value of Caregiving (pdf)
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Abstract:
After evaluating and comparing the compensation packages of DoD Child Development Centers (CDC) staff to those of employees in occupations similar to child care work in content, experience, compensation, and/or compatibility to the military lifestyle, this report reveals a number of strengths and weaknesses in the compensation packages of military caregivers. Recommendations for enhancing compensation packages and reducing turnover among qualified child care professionals are included. The suggested recommendations include strategies in the areas of compensation, quality improvement, and recruitment.
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- Child Care Use and Satisfaction Among Military Families with Preschool Children
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2004
- Authors: MacDermid, S., Strauss, R., Robbins, N., Wenz, H., Chang, Y., Schwarz, R., Weiss, H., Kontos, S.
- Download: Child Care Use (pdf)
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Abstract:
Using the 1999 Survey of Active Duty Personnel, this report examines the child care arrangements used by military families with children younger than six. Sections include: an overview of child care arrangements (categories, numbers, and types of arrangements, intensity of use, primary vs. secondary care arrangements); variations in care arrangements (variations by military status, paygrade, location, child age, earner status and housing); expenditures of military parents (expenditures by type of care, number of children, paygrade, housing and earner status) and parents' evaluations of child care (satisfaction by type of arrangement, characteristics of military members and military families, concerns about child care arrangements and attitudes related to evaluations of care).
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- Episodic Processes in Emotional Labor: Perceptions of Affective Delivery and Regulation Strategies
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2004
- Authors: Weiss, H., Beal, D., Barros, E., & MacDermid, S.
- Download: Episodic Processes in Emotional (pdf)
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Abstract:
Understanding the connection between events that happen inside and outside of work is one of the keys to understanding individual performance on the job. This report examines the way in which experiences and conditions outside the work domain, such as marital relations, financial circumstances, community support, and social networks affect job performance. It introduces a new model based on the notion of momentary or episodic performance, that is, how one person performing one task at one time manages available resources toward work or non-work related activities. Processes such as cognitive interference, rumination, and emotion regulation are discussed. The report concludes with a discussion on aggregation of performance episodes from individual to group performance of an entire unit.
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- Ethnic Variations in the Connection Between Work-Induced Family Separation and Turnover Intent
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2004
- Authors: Behnke, A., MacDermid, S., Anderson, J., Weiss, H.
- Download: Ethnic Variations in the Connection (pdf)
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Abstract:
Using data from the 1999 Active Duty Survey, this study examines ethnic variations in the role of resources in the relationship between work-induced family separation and workers' intentions to leave their employment. With the exception of African Americans, members of ethnic minority groups displayed stronger interconnections than members of the dominant culture between job satisfaction and social support, and job satisfaction and satisfaction with family supports. Similarly, intent to leave was more strongly related to material well-being and satisfaction with family supports among ethnic minority groups (except for African Americans) than among members of European descent. While separations were associated with reductions in job satisfaction and satisfaction with family support, they were related to improvements in material resources – but only for members of ethnic minority groups. Except for African Americans, members with higher pay and more education were more likely to intend to leave.
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- Nonwork Factors in Organizational Commitment
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University; Presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Honolulu, HI
- Year: 2004
- Authors: Kurek, K., MacDermid, S., & Weiss, H
- Download: Nonwork Factors in Organizational (pdf)
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Abstract:
This study examines 160 military members' perspectives about the events and conditions precipitating changes in levels of military commitment over time using data gathered from four military installations (one for each service branch). Results are discussed in terms of the three different types of commitment (affective, normative, continuance) as well as global commitment; individual characteristics (gender, marital and parental status); and the various issues affecting commitment.
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- The Financial Landscape for Military Parents of Young Children
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2004
- Authors: MacDermid, S., Strauss, R., Robbins, N., Wenz, H., Chang, Y., Schwarz, R., Weiss, H., Kontos, S
- Download: Financial Landscape of Families (pdf)
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Abstract:
This report examines the income and expenditure patterns of military parents of children younger than six. Findings come from analyses of the 1999 Active Duty Survey, the 1999 Survey of Permanent Change of Station Costs, the 1998 Consumer Expenditure Survey, the 1999 Living Patterns Survey, DoD compensation tables, and state self-sufficiency budgets. Four questions are addressed: (1) What are the characteristics of military families who are at high financial risk? (2) How do expenditures of military families compare to those of civilians? (3) How do the income and expenditures of military families compare to those of self-sufficiency standards? (4) Why might military families experience financial risk? Suggested recommendations follow.
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- Staffing Your Child Care Center: A Theoretical and Practical Approach
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2003
- Authors: Schwarz, R. L., MacDermid, S. M. Swan, R., Robbins, N. M., & Mathers, Carrie.
- Download: Staffing Your Child Care (pdf)
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Abstract:
This report examines the situation in early childhood care and education, reviews recent studies that address the issues surrounding staff turnover in the early childhood care and education profession, outlines specific contributors to turnover, and attempts to align the causes of turnover with strategies to prevent future turnover from occurring. The report, formatted as a workbook, includes assessment tools to measure performance and evaluate work environments, and a variety of tips and techniques that make it a useful resource to child care center directors and administrative staff.
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- Retention in the Armed Forces: Past Approaches and New Research Directions
- Publisher: Military Family Research Institute, Purdue University
- Year: 2002
- Authors: Weiss, H., MacDermid, S., Strauss, R., Kurek, K., Le, B., & Robbins, D.
- Download: Retention in the Armed Forces (pdf)
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Abstract:
This report summarizes and reviews research in organizational retention and turnover. It is divided into four sections: (1) past and current turnover and retention models utilized by the military are reviewed; (2) different theoretical frameworks outline the processes by which individuals leave organizations; (3) social psychological theories related to group attachment and attitudes are discussed to supplement the reviewed military and organizational literature; and (4) a new conceptual framework is offered as a tool to synthesize the literature and guide future research. Included in this new framework are commitment, environmental shocks, as well as work and non-work factors.
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