The effect of military specific stress stressors on military-dependent youth attachment: the role of perceived maternal nurturance

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2020-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

Military-dependent youth experience military-specific stressors such as frequent relocation, frequent adjustment to new school environments, and parental separation due to deployment. Current research on military-dependent youth suggests that some develop more resiliency in light of their experiences whereas others take a more deficit approach and suggest some develop less resiliency. The purpose of this study was to explore more fully the implications military specific stressors have on military-dependent youth attachment, and to what extent maternal nurturance buffers any negative effects. Participants were 177 adults between the ages of 18 years to 55 years who grew up in a military family with the father active in the U.S. military during their childhood, mother did not serve in the military at any time during their childhood (birth to 18 years), parents were married to each other during their entire childhood (birth to 18 years), and both parents were still living on their 18th birthday. The results of this study suggest military specific stressors do not significantly influence secure attachment. What this study does highlight is the importance of a nurturing caregiver for developing a secure attachment. Keywords: military, dependent-youth, stressors, attachment, maternal nurturance

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Health sciences, Military studies, Developmental psychology
Citation