“Knock on the door” – Exploration of casualty notification and the long-term impact on military families in the UK
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
McGill, G., Wilson-Menzfeld, G., Moreland, M., & Kiernan, M. D. (2022). “Knock on the door” - Exploration of casualty notification and the long-term impact on military families in the UK. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 27(6), 547-564. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2021.2009264
Abstract Created by REACH:
Using semi-structured interviews with 15 bereaved family members of United Kingdom Armed Forces Service members, this study examined how families were notified of the death of a loved one and how they were impacted by this notification. Family members described experiences during and after the notification and how their lives were changed by loss.
Focus:
Other
Mental health
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Child of a service member or veteran
Military families
Parent of a service member or veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Qualitative Study
Authors:
McGill, Gill, Wilson-Menzfeld, Gemma, Moreland, Mary, Kiernan, Matthew Donal
Abstract:
Receiving the news following death in service is widely referred to among the Armed Forces population as the “knock on the door”. This research uniquely considered how casualty notification is undertaken when reporting the death of a member of the UK Armed Forces and the impact of this on the family and/or significant other. For this study, 15 individuals (spouses, parents, and children) participated in semi-structured interviews and this data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Many participants could not remember what they were told and could not remember who told them. In particular, misunderstanding and confusion arose about the roles and responsibilities of the notification officers as well as responsibility for informing other family members, including children. Media intrusion was also highlighted as a significant issue. Results also indicated that the long-term impact of loss affected participants in a variety of ways—from dealing with unexpected “triggers” to an accumulation of feelings of regret, uncertainty, and guilt resulting in a loss of control. The impact on physical and mental health is problematic without support to address this. Results also indicated a lack of access to psychological support for bereaved adults and for young children. The study findings illustrated key issues with the notification itself, short-term procedures and provisions, and the long-term impact. However, these were diverse, multi-faceted issues across the cohort and were not homogenous. Fundamentally, the information and support provided when delivering the notification of death needs to be re-addressed, as well as the longer-term support provided for bereaved families.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
armed forces, bereavement, Death, grief, long-term impact, military widows
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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