Serving Families of Those Who Serve: An Exploration of the Psychosocial Experience and Psychosocial Support Needs of Defence and Public Safety Families in Canada
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Authors
Richardson, Melissa
Date
2024-09-19
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
military families , public safety families , tragedy , mental health , psychosocial support , Rehabilitation Science
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background. A considerable body of research demonstrates a significant link between family and work life; the connection between family and work life may be especially salient for the families of defence and public safety (DPS) personnel, who carry a significant risk of injury, illness and/or death through their occupational duties. When tragedy strikes and serving personnel are injured and/or killed in the line of duty, this can have significant impacts on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of families of serving personnel. In addition to these risks, DPS families are linked by shared adversity and challenges unique to this population, and often form a tight-knit community, meaning that tragedies ripple through the community. Though serving personnel may receive support by their organizations following tragedy, family members are often left without comparable supports. There remains little research on how to support families following tragedy.
Purpose. To develop preliminary recommendations for psychosocial support for DPS families following tragedy, this thesis had two main purposes: (1) to identify and describe existing psychosocial support in disaster-impacted populations that may aid in the development of tailored psychosocial support programs for DPS families following tragedy; and (2) to explore the psychosocial experiences of DPS families following a tragedy within their occupational communities.
Methods. A two-phase parallel, convergent multiple methods study was used. A scoping review was conducted to meet the first purpose, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to meet the second.
Findings. The integrated findings of this thesis were used to develop preliminary recommendations for psychosocial support to be provided by DPS organizations, including specific program components, incorporation of peer support, facilitation of social networks, a stepped care model, culturally competent care, and internet-based delivery to allow for flexibility.
Conclusion. This thesis drew on existing literature in disaster mental health and the lived experiences of DPS family members to create a series of preliminary recommendations for psychosocial support following tragedy within the occupational communities. More research is needed within the Canadian context to best support DPS families following tragedy.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International