Influence of Environment on Individuals in Military and Civilian Families: A Comparative Study

To better understand the mental health of children from military and civilian homes, this study proposes an additional concern: the influence of family upbringing/background. Children raised in military families have a very different experience than those raised in civilian families. This research examines the social and emotional development of children in military and civilian households, rather than the common view that children of all ages have greater rates of emotional outbursts, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and perceived nominal stress (NPS) questionnaires were used to gather data on 131 individuals, 66 of whom were from military families and 65 of whom were from civilian families. There was no difference in how military and civilian children coped with stress in this direct comparison, even though the military child’s experiences may have a positive effect on their mental well-being. The child’s well-being may be better understood if the parenting techniques and styles of the family are well understood.