Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 The ffecE ts of a Multicultural Overseas Community on Military Adolescents Nicole Hayes Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Nicole B. Hayes has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. William Benet, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Linda Day, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Patricia Ripoll, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract The Effects of a Multicultural Overseas Community on Military Adolescents by Nicole B. Hayes MA, Webster University, 1999 BA, Auburn University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University May 2019 Abstract Several reserachers have identified the challenges faced by military adolescent dependents. However, scholarly literature provides little evidence regarding examples of the impact of military adolescents’ transition and adjustment to residing in a multicultural community overseas. A qualitative case study was conducted of 6 former military adolescents between the ages of 18 and 25, regarding their perceptions of the experiences and challenges they encountered while residing in a multicultural overseas community as a military dependent between grades 8-12. Benet’s polarities of democracy served as the theoretical framework. All data were inductively coded and subjected to a thematic analysis from which 5 themes emerged. Participants unanimously agreed that the lack of needed information while discussing transition with their parents led to negative experiences. Participants also agreed that they have not been included in policy development regarding military adolescent programs, which negatively impacted their integration into the overseas communities. Overall, the results of this study highlight the challenges this population encounters and indicates that the polarity pairs have not been leveraged well, thereby negatively impacting the participants’ overall overseas experience. This study may encourage positive social change by informing Department of Defense policy makers and local installation leaders regarding the enactment of programs that better support military families with adolescent dependents living in an overseas environment. Such policy changes may enhance the experience of dependent military adolescents, encourage the military personnel’s future commitment to military service, and support service member retention. The Effects of a Multicultural Overseas Community on Military Adolescents by Nicole B. Hayes MA, Webster University, 1999 BA, Auburn University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University May 2019 Dedication My almighty creator, my strong tower, and my source of inspiration who has blessed me and has been the source of my strength. My grandmother, Naomi Hayes (heavenly angel) who first introduced me to critical thought. My loving parents Harry and Odessia (heavenly angel), thank you for the love and for instilling the importance of education. My sister Tiffany Charles, you never left my side and have been my biggest cheerleader. My heartbeats Xavier and Hailey, you are the wind beneath my wings and I love you both to the moon and beyond. Acknowledgments With gratitude, I thank my committee who were more than generous with their expertise, time, and willingness to help me develop my scholarly voice. A special thanks to Dr. William (Bill) Benet, my committee chair for his countless hours of reading, encouraging, and most of all his patience throughout the process. Dr. Linda Day, Dr. Patricia Ripoll, and Dr. Julie Conzelmann (Dr. Jules), thank you for your tutelage and tireless support. 24Fifty… there no words to express how grateful I am for you ladies. We agreed to uplift and support each other on this journey. Melanin magic! To those family and friends who offered guidance, support, words of encouragement and prayers, I say thank you. Thank you to those who gave freely of their time so that I may inform on military adolescent transition and overseas living. Your cooperation allowed me to gather relevant data. Finally, thank you to the teachers and administrators, as well as school support staff and librarians who assisted me with this project made this research possible. I am honored and humbled… Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................3 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5 Research Question .........................................................................................................6 Framework for the Study ...............................................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Definitions ......................................................................................................................8 Assumptions .................................................................................................................11 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13 Limitations ...................................................................................................................14 Significance ..................................................................................................................14 Summary ......................................................................................................................15 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................17 Introduction ..................................................................................................................17 Literature Search Strategy ............................................................................................18 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................19 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................19 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................21 i Human Rights and Communal Obligations .......................................................... 22 Participation and Representation .......................................................................... 23 Literature Review .........................................................................................................26 Non-governmental Organizations ......................................................................... 28 Overseas Military Transition Process ................................................................... 31 Cross-cultural Adjustment .................................................................................... 34 Overseas Living .................................................................................................... 38 Military Adolescent .............................................................................................. 41 Current Program .................................................................................................... 48 Summary and Conclusion ............................................................................................52 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................54 Introduction ..................................................................................................................54 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................55