About the dataset
Data collected
The Family Wellbeing Study includes responses to 273 survey questions, resulting in 1,127 variables. The data cover a wide range of life domains, including:
- demographic information
- alcohol, other drug use, and gambling
- children, grandchildren, and beliefs and practices related to child-rearing
- deployment experiences
- employment and financial circumstances
- early life experiences
- physical and psychosocial wellbeing
- mental health
- relationships with partners, family, and friends
- traumatic experiences.
A complete list of variables is available in the data books [.PDF 762.28 KB].
Analysis across domains
The breadth of topic coverage allows researchers to undertake both focused and multi‑domain analysis. Some research projects may examine specific issues in depth, while others may explore how different experiences and circumstances intersect within the lives of family members connected to Australian Defence Force (ADF) service.
The dataset is particularly well suited to research questions that require more than one dimension of wellbeing to be considered at the same time. Rather than examining health, family life, or material circumstances in isolation, the data allows these domains to be analysed together.
Structure and documentation
The structure of the dataset, together with the accompanying documentation, supports careful and transparent project design.
Researchers can use these materials to:
- identify variables relevant to their research questions
- understand how responses are coded and represented
- assess the suitability of the data for particular analytical approaches.
Taken together, the dataset and its documentation provide a flexible and robust resource for exploring the complex factors that shape family wellbeing in the context of ADF service.
Who can apply
Access to the Family Wellbeing Study data is available to researchers affiliated with:
- universities or recognised research institutes
- government departments or agencies
- peak bodies
- not‑for‑profit organisations.
Postgraduate students may also apply, provided they have appropriate supervisory support.
Eligible research purposes
Access is limited to research projects that:
- serve the public good
- are scientifically and ethically sound
- contribute to knowledge about the wellbeing of ADF members and their families.
The dataset is not available for commercial or for‑profit purposes.
What applicants should demonstrate
Proposed projects should be clearly framed, aligned with the content and scope of the dataset, and designed to protect participant privacy while maintaining the integrity of the data.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate that:
- the Family Wellbeing Study is relevant to their research aims
- the proposed analysis is realistic and well considered
- the project is appropriate given the structure and content of the dataset.
Responsible data use
Access arrangements are designed to support high‑quality research while ensuring that the data are used responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with the purpose for which the dataset has been made available.