Military Adolescents: Their Strengths and Vulnerabilities

摘要

The purpose of this technical report is to present the health, mental health andactivities and behaviors of adolescents living in military families. Environmental experiences and perceptions of these youths are presented along with perceptions with respect to school, peers, family, and the military. Comparisons with civilian adolescents are presented. Data were collected from 6,382 adolescents at military installations of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy around the world. Participants were selected via a two-stage stratified probability sampling design. Installations were selected during the first stage with probability proportional to size. Adolescents were randomly selected during the second stage. Surveys were administered on-site by trained MFI staff. The preponderance of respondents to this survey reported being healthy; engaging in weekly exercise; participating in appropriate school and community activities; doing homework and getting good grades in school. These military youths were very similar to their civilian counterparts. Few respondents were found to be at risk for mental health and behavior problems. Youth with a parent in the Navy, those living overseas, and those with a parent in the E7-E9 pay group appeared to be at relatively greater risk than other groups. Personal characteristics were also explored. Implications are presented.