Date

12-16-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Brian K. Cambra

Keywords

combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD), military family, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), secondary traumatic stress (STS), secondary stress

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

An emerging area of focus in the military sub-culture is the phenomenon of secondary stress experienced by military spouses and children due to high-tempo operational rates of the military member. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a greater understanding of what factors are at play and possibly influencing military members and their families in avoiding deployment resources that could assist them in preventing secondary stress. The central research questions were designed to assess whether connections between the secondary stress that military families experience (due to the deployment cycle) were instigated by a lack of awareness or a lack of willingness to pursue avenues to the programs and treatment strategies that are readily available. Data collection included in-depth interviews of five military spouses using a phenomenologically based dialogue method which removed the pre-conceived study hypothesis and allowed the participants to control the narrative by presenting the information from their perspective at the time of the events. Thematic Analysis instigated the interpretation of specific emerging themes within the qualitative data. Three major thematic findings were centered on Communication, Isolation, and Psychological Safety. The study revealed that military spouses believe that leadership focus should be centered on increased communication, combating the appearance and feelings of isolation due to not living on military installations, and providing improvement in the form of Psychological Safety. This study provides usable data points for military leaders to re-examine deployment cycle communication flow to military spouses through the lens of isolation (self-choice, perceived, and realized) and Psychological Safety (mental/emotional and financial). The study’s findings illuminate tangible concerns from the military spouse perspective providing focus areas to be considered in future Family Readiness events, Key Spouse communications, and Commander actions.

Download

Included in

Counseling Commons

Share

COinS