Desired Employment and Local Social Support: The Strongest Predictors for Wellbeing Outcomes Amongst the Partners of Australian Military Members

Abstract

Enhancing wellbeing amongst partners of current serving military personnel is a growing area of interest and concern. Because of their military connection, partners of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel experience unique challenges compared to those faced by the broader civilian community. This paper sought to undertake an investigation of the most important risk and protective factors, which influence wellbeing in this cohort. This cross-sectional study gathered responses from 444 participants (partners of current serving military members) through an online survey. Bivariate and multivariate regression models found higher wellbeing scores were associated with younger partners, higher military member rank brackets, existing social support in their location, and partners who were in their desired employment status. Additionally, higher COVID-19 impacts were associated with lower wellbeing scores. Moving forward, interventions, which target social support, desired employment, and periods of national crisis requiring a military response should be the focus. The findings of this study impact policy and programs which aim to provide support to military-connected families.