Posted by Corina Notyce, DCoE Public Affairs on February 21, 2013
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera
Tracey Linegar Taylor, an advanced practice nurse in psychiatry and a retired Army nurse corps officer, contributed this article. She is a contractor with Deployment Health Clinical Center, a Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury center.
We’ve all heard relationships take work. Military marriages are no different. In fact, because of the unique stressors these families face, like multiple moves, deployments and combat-related injuries, military marriages may take more work.
So, how can military families maintain strong relationships and overcome threats to their marriages? One word: resilience. Families who are resilient are more likely to have stronger, lasting relationships.
Characteristics of Resilient Families
In her book, “Strengthening Family Resilience,” resilience specialist Dr. Froma Walsh identifies nine characteristics that resilient families share. These characteristics highlight the family belief systems, organizational patterns, and communication and problem-solving skills that foster resilience.