In:
Family Relations, Wiley, Vol. 71, No. 1 ( 2022-02), p. 389-407
Abstract:
This research explored how 13 military wives emotionally prepared for deployments, and how their preparation affected the degree of emotional difficulty experienced on deployment day. Background Previous research has identified that military wives emotionally detach or withdraw in order not to become emotionally overwhelmed leading up to deployment, but this may affect their deployment‐day experience. Method A grounded theory approach to analyze semistructured interviews yielded emergent themes regarding how these military wives perceived the efficacy of emotionally preparing for deployment and their accompanying preparatory approaches. Results When preparing for deployment, these wives primarily adopted either a protective emotional preparation (PEP) approach (characterized by tactics of emotionally retreating, psyching yourself out, and/or circumventing emotional conversations) or a connective emotional preparation (CEP) approach (characterized by preemptive preparation, relying on husbands’ initiative, sharing quality time, or some sort of spiritual connection). Conclusion These PEP and CEP approaches seemed to influence the degree of emotional difficulty the wives reported experiencing on the day of deployment (traumatic vs. terribly difficult). Implications This PEP–CEP framework could help facilitate informed decisions about emotional preparation and Morse's emotional cycle of deployment. Implications and suggestions for policy and clinical considerations are discussed, including those pertaining to CFLEs, military organizations, and mental health professionals.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0197-6664
,
1741-3729
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2026606-6
SSG:
5,2
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