Impact of deployment on military families with young children: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundMore than 40% of children in military families are <6 years old, a period when children are most dependent on their parents' physical and emotional availability. PurposeThis systematic review describes the impact of deployment since 9/11 on the mental health of military families with young children, evaluates evidence-based interventions for military parents with young children, and identifies gaps in the science limiting our ability to support the needs of these families. MethodsDatabases were reviewed from 2001 to 2014 using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach; 26 studies met review criteria. ResultsDeployment was associated with increased parent stress, child behavior problems, health care utilization, and child maltreatment. Few studies tested interventions or focused on racial/ethnic minority or veteran families. A number of methodological limitations are noted. ConclusionsMore research using multiple methods, stronger designs, and more diverse samples is needed to understand and address the needs of military families with young children.