Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Military-Connected Students

Abstract

There are approximately 1,450,000 active duty US military service members and about 1.2 million school-aged children of military service members. Research on military-connected students suggested that they may struggle with the military lifestyle and its concomitant challenges. Clinicians of military families at that time observed a pattern of psychopathology and behavioral maladjustment for youth and families and thus coined the term military family syndrome. Today's military families may face increased risks due to changing features of the military experience, which in turn may exacerbate the impact of military service deployment on the school-aged youth in these families. Yet, some research has revealed particular characteristics of military-connected students that may serve as unique protective factors. In this chapter, we consider the mental health and support needs of military-connected students. We explore some of the challenges they and their families face as well as the special strengths which may be built upon when providing services to address their unique situation. We conclude with a summary of promising school-based programs and strategies that can support this population of young people and reduce their risk for behavioral and mental health problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)