Mason researcher Mona Ternus during a military medical exchange program and exercise with Tunisian military medical personnel. At the time, Ternus, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, was serving as education director for American personnel training the Tunisians.
Photo courtesy of Mona Ternus
I interviewed Mona Ternus, Ph.D. , of George Mason University, assistant dean at the college of health and human services, on how the separation during military deployment strains the already-difficult experience of raising teenagers. Dr. Ternus has recently completed a research study looking at the impact of military deployment on adolescents and children and her results show that these families are severely strained in their efforts to deal with their family's needs while serving their country. Dr. Ternus has twenty years of experience in health and human services education and ranks as Lt Col Ternus in the US Air Force Reserve Nurse Corps. She is also the Commander of the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
Q: What initially drew you to study the effects of military deployment on adolescents?
A: Having been an active duty member of the military myself, I personally experienced some of the challenges that women in my study faced. I was called into active duty when my daughter was in 9th grade. My husband was already serving in Iraq. I was forced to think about all the things I would need to do for my daughter when I would be away for an entire year. She was a rebellious teen and I saw she could become more rebellious.
Q: What are some of the problems these families faced?
A: In my research, the factors seen were most commonly a negative effect on grades and school work. There were problems with diet,lack of exercise--physical problems. Now when the mothers returned from deployment, they were able to impact the poor diet and help them learn to engage in the world again. But unfortunately, the mothers couldn't affect the grades. They remained low, and it was difficult to impact. I think it's hard to come back from something when they've lost their grades. It's hard to rebound. They can't pick up missed material. It's difficult to go back and get that.
Q: Your research also looked at how these teens engaged in risky behaviors?
A: Both girls and boys got into physical fights. many of the girls became more promiscuous. According to the research, 75% of the teens had zero risk behaviors before deployment, However, 75% had one to ten risk factors during the mom's deployment. The more risk factors they had, the more they are at risk for other issues in their lives.
Q: You note the positive aspects of growing up in a military family on teens too. What are some of those traits?
A: These kids are typically more adaptable and resilient than the average population. However they still need to cope with the deployment and how it effects them;and they are seeing the war played out in the media. They are thinking, "My mother's right there!" Moms play a different role in the family; kids are scared for their dads too, but moms tend to be the family manager--taking care of details of family life. So, I think teens miss the routines that are established so well by moms. Plus, they're concerned about their safety.
Q: Do you think your study corresponds to women who work in jobs that require long hours or demand they travel frequently?
A: Those women have similar challenges, because they're away from their child, so they must decide who will be the role models and caregivers for their children. Women working long hours need to make conscious efforts be engaged in their child's lives. But the difference for women deployed by the military is that they are geographically separated, with no contact for weeks or months. Then there's the fact that they are often placed in dangerous situations. I guess that's not so different than having a mother in the police force or fire department. But these women need to work out the issues of their own mortality with their kids. I think it is good for moms to talk about it with their teens and discuss any fears they might have.
Q: So you recommend that mothers in risky jobs talk openly about those risks?
A: Yes, it's important to address these concerns openly. We don't usually talk about death in life much. But research shows that every child is different, and no matter what you say, they will filter at their own level. They will take what they want from what you say and use it to process their feelings. It's important to talk about death. If they are worried, then teens need to talk about it.
Q: What things do you recommend friends and family members do for teens dealing with a parent who is deployed?
A: Finding ways to support the family at home, while the parent is away is really important. Helping bring in food or menus and inviting them to be part of events and activities. Get involved, support and help the caregiver who's there supervising the children. Long term health outcomes are better for the mom, child and famly when they have the support they need.
To read more about Dr. Ternus' research and the challenges faced by soldiers deployed on missions, check out the Mason Gazzette newspaper. You also may find Renee Sklarew's blog about teens dealing with grief and loss and the benefits of therapy for teens with expert Lynn Bufka of the American Psychological Association helpful.
In addition, the US Military offers a DVD for families dealing with the stress of deployment at Operation Military for Kids. It covers fear of injury or death, anxiety brought about by changes in the home and coping mechanisms for dealing with the absence of a parent.
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