Thinking "Big" About Research on Military Families. (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hawkins, Stacy Ann; Sullivan, Kathrine S.; Schuyler, Ashley C.; Keeling, Mary; Kintzle, Sara; Lester, Paul B.; Castro, Carl A.
• Is Part Of: Military behavioral health. Volume 5:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 335
• Page End: 345
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Big data -- military families -- military spouse -- resilience -- behavioral health; Military psychiatry -- Periodicals; Combat -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 355.345
• DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2017.1343696
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2163-5781

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Research examining military families is often limited by data collection challenges. Big data approaches can provide greater data access and a more robust picture of individuals, groups, and systems. In this article, the authors discuss the use of big data for military family research. First, they describe the Person-Event Data Environment, a big data solution currently used by the Department of Defense. Then, they discuss several datasets that incorporate constructs of interest to family researchers, including the Family Global Assessment Tool (GAT), a dataset on psychosocial well-being. Next, the authors describe the sample of spouses who have completed the Family GAT ( n = 1250). Finally, they discuss theoretical frameworks that provide a foundation for big data research on military families, noting potential future directions.