Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Media Technology

Abstract

In spite of the National Guard's ongoing presence in military conflicts, peacekeeping missions, and communities, there has been a limited body of literature on military families since Viet Nam with information specific to the Guard almost nonexistent (Knox & Price, 1999). Studies dedicated to the effects of deployment have been limited to the families of active military components (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines) (Kelley, 1994a; Kelley 2002; Orthner & Rose, 2003). The purpose of this study was to create a survey that will provide insight into the impact of deployment specific to National Guard family members, and how well current military and community programs meet the needs of these families. A review of the literature provided the framework for both theoretical constructs and survey items. An instrument was developed based upon these findings. The instrument was administered to 1018 National Guard family members from 50 states and one territory. Those data were analyzed using the data reduction technique factor analysis. Following statistical analysis, 45 items, distributed among 6 factors were retained. Chronbach's Alpha was recorded at .819 indicating strong reliability for the 45 items retained.(1) Challenges within Family Relationships; (2) Reactions to Deployment; (3) Use of National Guard Supports; (4) Use of Community-based Supports; (5) External Relationships and Supports; (6) Action and Retention. Data gathered from the Deployment and Support survey will inform State Family Programs personnel of family members' knowledge of important information and resources that are available through their State Family Programs that can assist families throughout the deployment period. It will also make them aware of how well the information and resources available meet the needs of National Guard families throughout the deployment period and help them focus their efforts in the areas of need expressed by those families.

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