Strengthening Defence and Veteran Couple Relationships through Relationship Education
About the project
Current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families experience unique challenges in navigating the ADF lifestyle, and the transition to civilian life. These challenges, including frequent postings and separations, can place strain on couple relationships making them more vulnerable to relationship distress and breakdown.
DVA commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies to investigate what relationship interventions currently exist and how they might be adapted to address the distinctive needs of current and ex-serving ADF members and their partners. This occurred through:
- a review of the academic literature
- consultations with stakeholders involved in delivering support services
- focus groups with current and ex-serving ADF couples to discuss their needs and how interventions could be adapted to meet those needs.
In addition, a supplementary review was conducted focussed on assessing evidence on the effectiveness of Australian relationship education programs.
Acknowledgements
This research study was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
We respect and give thanks to all who have served in our Defence Force and their families. We acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to defend our nation.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions to the project provided by Dr Lakshmi Neelakantan and Dr Dino Concepcion. We also acknowledge and thank Liz Neville, AIFS Acting Director, and Dr Rae Kaspiew, AIFS Research Director – Systems and Services, for their review of this report; Lisa Carroll and Katharine Day for their communications and editing support; and Gillian Lord for her library support.
Views expressed in this report are those of the individual authors and may not reflect the views of the Australian Institute of Family Studies or the Australian Government.
17 September 2023
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)