The effects of military-connected parental absence on the behavioural and academic functioning of children: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Military-connected students experience a high rate of parental absence due to their parents’ military obligations. Military work-related parental absences can affect school-aged children’s emotional and behavioural health and overall academic functioning. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The current review identified research studies that explored the effects of military-connected parental absence on school-aged children. Specifically, quantitative and qualitative research studies that examine the impact of military parental absences on dependent variables related to internalising and externalising behaviours and academic functioning were of interest. In all, 26 studies were identified for inclusion in the review.

Findings

Overall, military-connected students who experience a parental absence due to military service are more likely to exhibit an increase in problem behaviours and a decrease in academic functioning compared to civilian peers or military-connected peers who were not experiencing parental absence.

Originality/value

The current review elucidates parental absence within the military context, highlighting key factors that may contribute to increased and decreased behavioural and academic functioning of military-connected students. Results from the review in relation to risk and protective factors for military-connected students, future research and school programming directions are discussed.

Citation

Moeller, J.D., Culler, E.D., Hamilton, M.D., Aronson, K.R. and Perkins, D.F. (2015), "The effects of military-connected parental absence on the behavioural and academic functioning of children: a literature review", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 291-306. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-05-2015-0017