ERIC Number: EJ911316
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Jan
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0003-066X
EISSN: N/A
The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program: Family Skills Component
Gottman, John M.; Gottman, Julie S.; Atkins, Christopher L.
American Psychologist, v66 n1 p52-57 Jan 2011
Field combat stress clinics and research have identified the signature event that precedes thoughts of suicide and homicide in combat soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan: a distressing personal relationship event with a stateside partner. In response to this alarming information, we have identified critical factors and precipitating incidents as well as critical social skills that form the basis for changing communication between soldiers and their stateside partners. A pilot program is described that proved effective with small groups of soldiers who were led by a male-female professional team and given structured reading and social skills training exercises based on Gottman and Silver's (1999) book "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work." Recommendations for future training are made based upon our assessment of the family issues facing the combat soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan. In conclusion, we describe the family fitness interventions and program elements of the skill building trainings within the family component of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, which can be delivered via online interactive technology as well as face to face with families.
Descriptors: Pilot Projects, Military Personnel, Interpersonal Relationship, Foreign Countries, Clinics, Interpersonal Competence, Stress Variables, Suicide, Homicide, Intervention, War, Program Descriptions, Training, Family Relationship, Marriage, Internet
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Afghanistan; Iraq
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A