Family Experience Survey

The research on the challenges faced by military families in Canada is crucial for developing effective support systems and policies. This body of work focuses on understanding the unique difficulties that arise from the nature of military life. Our research aims to identify the factors that contribute to family resilience, enabling families to adapt and thrive despite these challenges.

The Family Experience Survey serves as a cornerstone of this research, capturing detailed data on these challenges. By gathering insights directly from military families, we can better understand their experiences and needs. This data is instrumental in shaping evidence-based strategies that enhance family functioning and resilience.

Military-Related Absences
What are the experiences of families related to military-related absences, and what is the impact on their well-being? Our research delves into how families cope with frequent and prolonged separations due to deployments, training, and operational duties. We investigate the support networks families rely on and examine the long-term emotional and psychological effects of these absences. Understanding these dynamics helps us develop strategies to strengthen family resilience and improve support systems.

Geographical Relocations
How do geographical relocations impact military families, and what measures can mitigate their negative effects? We study the financial strain, disrupted education for children, and inconsistent healthcare access that often accompany relocations. By exploring these challenges, we aim to identify effective ways to support families in transition, ensuring they can adapt to new environments with minimal disruption and stress.

Transition to Civilian Life
What are the challenges faced by military families during the transition to civilian life, and how can support systems facilitate smoother adjustments? Our research focuses on the significant adjustments required, including finding new employment, integrating into civilian communities, and accessing healthcare. We explore the factors that contribute to successful transitions and the support mechanisms that can alleviate difficulties, helping families build a stable and fulfilling post-military life.

Through resilience-focused research, we aim to provide valuable insights that inform service providers, policymakers, and researchers. Our primary goal is to improve the experience of military and veteran families, ensuring they receive the resources and support needed to thrive in the face of military life's demands.

Our research on military family experiences aims to strengthen family resilience. By examining the challenges these families encounter, including absences, relocations, and military to civilian transition, we can offer valuable insights to service providers, policymakers, and researchers. This knowledge is essential for creating effective support systems and policies that improve the well-being and resilience of military families.

The data collected through the Family Experience Survey will be instrumental in informing and improving the services provided by Military Family Services, and by capturing detailed experiences and needs, we hope to enable service providers to be better prepared to assist families. Additionally, aggregate results from the survey will be provided to Military Family Resource Centres as well as Base and Wing Commanders, enabling them to directly address the challenges faced by military and veteran families.

Of final note, our resilience research contributes to a broader understanding of how military families can adapt and thrive despite the inherent challenges of military life. These insights not only benefit military families but also inform broader societal support systems for veterans and their families. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that military and veteran families receive the comprehensive support they need to build resilience and maintain well-being, thereby improving their overall quality of life.