2024 UCLA McNair Conference

Research Topic: “Military Bases Can Help The Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health of Military Connected Children and Families”.
Research Abstract:
Military Bases Can Help the Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health of Military-Connected Children and Families
Military bases in the United States (US) can play a role in supporting the mental, emotional, and physical health of military-connected children and families, especially during the process of deployment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report in 2013, up to 2 million children in the United States have been exposed to a wartime deployment of a loved one in the past 10 years. Many service members have returned from combat deployments with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. (Siegel & Davis, 2013). The US public and its policymakers are increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of the children and families of uniformed service members facing prolonged and multiple wartime deployments. The article further discusses how the mental health and well-being of spouses, significant others, children (and their friends), and extended family members of deployed service members continue to be significantly challenged by the experiences of wartime deployment. The medical system of the Department of Defense provides a series of health and mental health services for active-duty service members and their families, as well as activated National Guard and Reserve service members and their families. (Siegel & Davis, 2013). This research seeks to present a sample of interventions and support mechanisms tailored to the unique needs of military-connected families. By examining the challenges and strengths observed within the military community, this research can contribute to resilience and improve the overall quality of life for military-connected children and families. Drawing from personal experiences while residing on a military base and insights gathered from military friends and family, the research aims to identify effective strategies for enhancing the well-being of the military community through mental, emotional, and physical health interventions.