Experiences of Adult Children of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans

The families of military members, including veterans and those currently serving, face unique challenges related to military culture, which may include frequent re-locations, prolonged separations for military operations and training and other risks associated with active service. Some children in military families find the challenges of moving frequently, separation, and risk help them develop resilience and capacity by promoting a sense of belonging, greater self-confidence, increased family and community connection, and comfort with the unfamiliar. Resiliency is thought to be developed by a process involving the interaction of personal characteristics useful for reducing stress and the protections provided by social supports. However, when examining those who grew up in a military family, it is not known if these capacities are sustained through adulthood or what mechanisms work to facilitate outcomes. The adult children of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans participating in this study will provide insight into how their experiences influenced their adult lives by remembering past events of childhood circumstances. Capturing their stories fills three research gaps in Canadian military family research, specifically, the inclusion of past events from adult children of their experiences growing up in military families, a focus on the long-term effects of military service on family members, and an understanding of the potential for resiliency through to adulthood.