Ambiguous Loss Theory

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findings study supported the theory of ambiguous loss for understanding the temporary loss of a parent during employment for adolescents. Adolescents had to assume new roles and responsibilities which led to relationship conflict, felt a lot of uncertainty which led to behavioral outbursts, and tended to express symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study also provides guidelines for dealing with boundary ambiguity, mental health changes, relationship conflict, and feelings of uncertainty and loss. This study helps shed light on how adolescents experience parental deployment, providing invaluable insight to educators, and provides a description of the possible psychological effects of this ambiguous loss. Chartrand, Frank, White, and Shope …show more content…

1991 researched whether or not military connected children suffered from higher levels of psychiatric symptoms, and whether they display more externalizing or internalizing disorders. They also sought to learn whether the same stressors that effect children also effect their parents. Additionally they sought to understand the different impacts different levels of service (whether an officer or enlisted soldier) had on the family. 213 children and their families were surveyed by mail using psychopathology rating scales. The reports of teachers and children were highly similar to national averages, however parents rated their children and themselves as having slightly higher levels of psychiatric symptoms. This study found that the rates of psychiatric symptoms were not greatly increased in children in military families, and provided no evidence of a military family syndrome. This study was limited by its heavy reliance on self report. This study is helpful in showing that there might not be as many negatives to being military connected as we might think and will help balance some of the other …show more content…

(2014) researched the barriers that prevent adolescents from receiving mental health services in military families. This study had three research populations. The first was military connected adolescents with at least one active duty parent. The second was military (nonenlisted) parents of teenagers with spouse or partner who was an active duty servicemember. The third population was service providers who provided mental health services to military connected children and families. The study conducted focus groups and interviews and allowed military family members the choice of which they wanted to participate in. Adolescents and family members were compensated $50 for their participation. Mental health service providers participated in individual structured interviews for which they were paid $100. Findings of this study showed four internal barriers: “confidentiality, stigma, an ethic of self-reliance, and lack of perceived relevance” (Becker et al. 2014). Becker et al. stated that their findings suggested that service providers should utilize a “multifaceted approach that considers issues of framing (e.g., describing events using universal language), provides education about the benefits of mental health treatment for the entire family (including the service member), and offers significant flexibility with regard to the timing cost, and location of services” (Becker et al., 2014). This article addresses the psychological issues many military connected

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