Veterans’ social–emotional and physical functioning informs perceptions of family and child functioning

Abstract

Introduction: Veteran-connected families and children are an understudied population who may experience a host of stressors, including exposure to disabling parental injury, unstable family income, changes in peer support networks, and a civilian community that is less aware of their particular needs. Using a systems perspective, this article examines the association between Veterans’ social–emotional and physical functioning deficits and perceptions of family and child functioning. Methods: Participants were 594 male Veteran parents who completed the Chicago Veterans Survey, including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, the McMaster Family Assessment Device, and a child functioning screening tool. Results: Structural equation models indicated positive direct effects of Veteran functioning deficits on perceptions of adverse family and child functioning. Veteran functioning also had indirect effects on perceived child functioning through family functioning in social and physical models (βs = 0.065 and 0.055, ps = 0.017 and 0.006, respectively). Discussion: In both social–emotional and physical functioning models, increases in Veteran functioning deficits were associated with poorer perceptions of family functioning and more negative reports of child outcomes. Although many Veteran families appear resilient, prevention and intervention services targeting family functioning may be a useful strategy to interrupt cascading negative effects of Veterans’ health deficits. Demonstrating these relationships in a Veteran context is critical to developing policies and programs that effectively support Veteran-connected families.