Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 Army Spouses' Perception of Support Resources During Multiple Deployments Sharon Elish Brannon Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Social Psychology 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 Sharon Brannon 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. Arcella Trimble, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Tony Hobson, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Benita Stiles-Smith, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Abstract Army Spouses’ Perception of Support Resources During Multiple Deployments by Sharon E. Brannon MA, Webster University, 2003 MSA, Central Michigan University, 1999 BS, Kansas State University, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University September 2016 Abstract The U.S Army and support resource providers have become interested in the experiences of Army spouses during deployments. Previous research indicated that military spouses’ perceptions of support resources were integral in the usage of support services. However, little research has examined the combined effects of Army spouses’ opinions and perceptions regarding their sense of community and support resources available during multiple deployments. This quantitative study, based on the family stress theory, recorded the opinions of 174 Army Spouses using the Army Spouses’ Perception Survey and the Sense of Community Index 2. Predictor variables constituted sense of community opinions and support resources such as awareness, access, communication, and utilization. The criterion variable was Army spouses’ perception of support resources during multiple deployments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple hierarchical regressions. Analysis revealed a significant relationship between individual variables on the military and civilian sense of community index and the domain support resources applicable to assist during multiple deployments on a spouses’ perception of available support resources. The influence of Army spouses’ opinions significantly impacted how available resources were perceived and used during multiple deployments. These findings will provide empirical evidence to military and civilian leaders on Army spouses’ experiences of support resources. Such information may provoke changes that yield more consistent usage of support resources during multiple deployments, thereby promoting positive social change. Army Spouses’ Perception of Support Resources During Multiple Deployments by Sharon E. Brannon MA, Webster University, 2003 MSA, Central Michigan University, 1999 BS, Kansas State University, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University September 2016 Dedication I dedicate this to my husband and my son, Anthony and Phillip Brannon. Your support and sacrifice of family time can never be repaid. To my sisters, who took time out of their busy schedule to help me with my mommy duties, I can never repay you. To my parents, Clarence and Alene Nalls, without your guidance, help and encouragement over the years this would not have been possible. And to my grandparents and great grandparents whose lives taught me the value of an education. Many things can be taken from you in this life, but knowledge is not one them. Acknowledgments First I give glory and honor to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Without You this would not have been possible! I am who You say I am. I will do what You have predestined for me to do. I trust that with You all things are possible. I am overwhelmingly thankful to my chair and advisor Dr. Arcella Trimble. Her honesty, guidance, and support were immeasurable. Your clear, precise guidance during this process has made me a better writer and researcher. I would also like to thank my other committee members for their patience and the expertise they gave me along the way. Finally to all of the men and women who serve this country, their spouses and other family members who serve along with them, thank you. Your commitment to our country and your sacrifice of family are attributes few will ever truly understand. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................5 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................7 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................7 Research Question and Hypothesis ................................................................................8 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................10 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................11 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................12 Assumptions .................................................................................................................16 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................16 Limitations ...................................................................................................................17 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................18 Summary ......................................................................................................................19 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................22 Introduction ..................................................................................................................22 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................24 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................25 Military Culture .................................................................................................... 25 i The Deployment Cycle ......................................................................................... 27 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................34 Family Stress Theory ............................................................................................ 34 Sense of Community ....................................................................................................43 Military Sense of Community ............................................................................... 45 Civilian Sense of Community ............................................................................... 46 The Collaboration of Military and Civilian Community Services and Resources .................................................................................................. 47 Social Change Analysis ...............................................................................................48 Related Literature Review of Study Concepts .............................................................50 Literature Related to the Research Methodology ................................................. 50 Literature Review of Differing Methodologies .................................................... 52 Summary of Literature Review ....................................................................................53 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................58 Introduction ..................................................................................................................58 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................58 Population ............................................................................................................. 61 Sampling and Sampling Procedures ..................................................................... 61 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data