Informing Peer Support Programs for Active Duty Military Spouses of U.S. Army Soldiers

This study explores the unique challenges faced by active duty military spouses and provides insights to guide the adaptation of the Veteran Spouse Resiliency Group (V-SRG) program for this population. The research identifies key stressors, support needs, and recommendations for enhancing peer support programs to foster resilience and well-being among U.S. Army spouses.

The study employed qualitative methods to gather insights from military spouses:

• Participants included 35 spouses of active duty U.S. Army soldiers, predominantly female (97%), with diverse racial backgrounds.
• Zoom-based group discussions were recorded and transcribed for analysis.
• Inductive coding was used to identify themes related to challenges, support needs, and program recommendations.

Key findings highlight the multifaceted experiences of military spouses:

• Participants reported barriers to education and career progression, difficulties accessing medical and behavioral health care, parenting and childcare challenges, and stress related to deployment and frequent relocations.
• Positive aspects included the sense of community within the military and occasional opportunities for personal growth through relocation.
• Recommendations for peer support programs:

The findings inform the design of peer support programs tailored to the unique needs of active duty military spouses. Providers and program developers are encouraged to:

• Focus on addressing the specific challenges of military life, such as career development and childcare support.
• Offer flexible program delivery options, including virtual sessions, to increase accessibility.
• Foster a sense of community and shared experiences to enhance resilience and well-being.

This study underscores the importance of tailored interventions to support the resilience and mental health of military spouses, ultimately benefiting the broader military family system.