Effects of School-Based Interventions With U.S. Military-Connected Children

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effects of school-based interventions on the well-being of military-connected children (i.e., dependents of U.S. military service members, veterans, or reserve component members) who attend public or private elementary or secondary schools with parental deployment, parental reintegration, parental military-related trauma or death, or frequent moves. Method: Systematic review methods were employed to search, retrieve, select, and analyze studies that met inclusion criteria. Results: Over 1,400 citations were reviewed and 22 full-text reports were screened. One study met criteria for inclusion in this review. Effects on anxiety, self-esteem, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors were not significant. Discussion: The paucity of intervention research in this area is surprising, given the increased awareness and research on the stresses and impacts of military deployment and other unique stressors related to military life on children. The results of this systematic review support the need for further development and testing of school-based interventions that address the needs of military-connected children.