The Effects of Military Lifestyle and Operational Deployments on Marital Dynamics: A Qualitative Study of Military Spouses in Turkey

Method

This study employs a phenomenological approach to explore and analyze the marital experiences of military spouses affected by military living conditions and operational assignments. Phenomenological research helps to understand and describe personal experiences as they are lived, revealing their essence. Although qualitative research may not yield definitive or generalizable results, it is expected to offer valuable insights, examples, and experiences that enhance the understanding of how military spouses perceive the impact of military conditions and assignments.

Participants

The study employed the snowball sampling technique, a purposive sampling method (Krysik & Finn, 2015), to recruit participants. All participants were selected from among the spouses of military personnel serving in the Land Forces and actively participating in conflict zones. The selection criteria for the participants are as follows: (a) At least 5 years of marriage to Turkish Armed Forces personnel who have been deployed at least twice to internal and external security zones; (b) ability to articulate their experiences; (c) voluntary participation. Participant details are presented in Table 1. Consent forms were signed by participants prior to the interviews. The sample size in the study has been determined based on reaching a saturation point where no new information can be obtained from the data and the information begins to repeat itself. In the literature, it is stated that Lincoln and Guba (1985) define the saturation point as the point at which theoretical and thematic saturation is achieved, meaning that no new information or themes can be obtained from the data (Patton, 2018). To enhance sample diversity, care has been taken to include participants with different demographic characteristics. This has been achieved by considering factors such as age, education, and different deployment regions and cities. In addition, although all participants are spouses of personnel serving in the Land Forces, participants have been selected from different military units and lengths of service, contributing to diversity. Representing various experiences and perspectives among the participants enhances the validity of the research findings and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by military spouses.

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Table 1.

Demographic Profile of Military Spouses.

Category	Subcategory	Number of participants	Percentage
Age Distribution	20-29 years	5	25
	30-39 years	11	55
	40-49 years	4	20
Educational Background	Primary School	1	5
	Secondary School (Lise)	10	50
	Associate Degree (Önlisans)	2	10
	Bachelor’s Degree (Lisans)	7	35
	Master’s Degree	3	15
	Middle School (Ortaokul)	1	5
Duration of Marriage	5 years	6	30
	6-10 years	7	35
	11-15 years	5	2
	16-20 years	2	10
Employment Status	Employed	8	40%
	Not Employed	12	60%
Number of Children	0 Children	2	10%
	1 Child	6	30%
	2 Children	10	50%
	3 Children	2	10%

Data Collection Process and Analysis of Data

In the study, transcripts were thoroughly examined, focusing on recurring words and patterns. After the transcription of the data, initial readings and preliminary writings were conducted by the researcher. The thematic analysis process was initiated by the researcher and then independently carried out by another independent researcher. A high level of agreement (inter-rater reliability) was achieved among the codings, and minor inconsistencies were resolved through discussions between the researchers. In the final stage, the results of the data reporting were reviewed by a third independent researcher who confirmed the findings. This process significantly enhanced the reliability and strengthened the ongoing development. MAXQDA 20 software was employed for coding and thematic analysis. Thematic analysis enables detailed organization and in-depth description of data (Yıldırım & Şimşek, 2018). During this process, frequently occurring phrases were labeled, secondary coding was performed to consolidate similar codes, and main themes were identified. These themes were systematically organized and subdivided into sub-themes to provide a coherent understanding of the data.

Ethics

This study adhered to ethical standards set by the Sinop University Human Research Ethics Committee (Decision No. 91, 2024) and the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from participants, covering the study’s purpose, procedures, and risks, with no compensation provided. Participants’ information was kept confidential and used only for research purposes, with no data shared with third parties.

Results

The thematic analysis identified three main themes (see Table 2). The first theme is “Attitudes Toward the Military,” the second is “The Impact of Duties on Marriage,” and the third is “Duty-Related Stress and Resilience Systems”

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Table 2.

Thematic Analysis of Military Spouses’ Experiences.

Main theme	Theme	Sub-theme
Attitudes Toward the Military	Cultural Contexts
	Personal Contexts	Soldier Devoted To DutyMilitarization of Women
The Impact of Duties on Marriage	Emotional Burdens
	Physical Strain
	Social Pressures
Duty-Related Stress and Resilience Systems	Gaining Resilience	Discovering strengths
		Navigating Emotional Variability
	Disruption in Family Dynamics	Loss of ordinary marital conditions
		Loss of career opportunities
		Loss of Extended Family and Social Networks

Main Theme; Attitudes Toward the Military

Under the main theme “Attitudes Towards the Military,” two primary themes emerged: “Cultural Contexts” and “Personal Contexts.” The specific sub-themes, derived from the prevalence of coding in accordance with participant statements, are detailed below in bold.

Main Theme; The Impact of Duties on Marriage

Under this theme, three themes emerged: “ Emotional Burdens ,” “ Physical Strain ,” and “ Social Pressures .”

Main Theme; Duty-Related Stress and Resilience Systems

This theme encompasses two themes: “Gaining Resilience” and “Deterioration in Family Dynamics.”

Discussion

This research aims to deeply investigate how military lifestyles and operational duties shape the experiences of military spouses, regardless of the various objectives and methods of existing studies on their marital experiences. Specifically, it focuses on the spouses of soldiers deployed in operational or conflict zones, addressing the effects of these experiences on marriage. Findings from a study of 20 military spouses reveal that new behavioral patterns introduced by military life, along with unplanned and uncertain duties, significantly impact and transform their marital experiences. These insights may be valuable for individuals in similar circumstances.

Welch (1993) defines civil-military relations as “the interactions between the armed forces as an institution and the segments of society to which they are connected” (Snider & Carlton-Carew, 1995). These relationships are shaped by the mutual influence and control of civilian and military groups, depending on each nation’s national history, social sensitivities, and traditions. In addition, the society’s perception of military personnel and the professional reputation of the officer corps, along with the state’s defense and foreign policies and the military’s specific activities, are key factors in defining these relations. This study observed that participants held extremely positive attitudes toward the military. According to Öztuna (2007), these attitudes can be interpreted as a reflection of the intertwining of military culture with the Turkish nation and the military’s role as an embodiment of the “Nation-Army” concept. Consequently, although the sanctity of the military reduces the time and energy available for fulfilling familial responsibilities, participants perceive this situation as understandable and acceptable.

Bowen (1989) argues that military service is more than just a career choice; it is a lifestyle decision that shapes nearly every aspect of an individual’s life (Matsch et al., 2009). This perspective highlights the distinct differences between military service and civilian professions. Specifically, military service, which operates on a 24/7 basis, requires continuous high-performance expectations, personal sacrifices, strict order and discipline standards, professional hazards, and a unique organizational culture. This multifaceted impact of the armed forces on soldiers and their families arises from the military’s role as not just an employer, but also as a provider of health care, clothing, housing, and other necessities.

McCartney (2011) defines the social image of soldiers through the lens of heroism, suggesting that this perception of heroism is closely linked to soldiers’ combat abilities and the notion of being a “real man.” The values and culture of the military, especially virtues such as commitment to duty, leaving no one behind, resilience, sacrifice, and honor (Acosta et al., 2014; Robillard, 2017), play a significant role in shaping societal and institutional expectations. The findings of our study indicate that the perspectives of the participants are largely consistent with the image of the “duty-bound” soldier as advocated by McCartney (2011). In this context, it can be argued that military service is not just a profession but represents a profound lifestyle transformation for both the soldier and their family.

The military lifestyle extends beyond merely adhering to rules and operational procedures; it also involves accepting the inherent instability that comes with it. Within this framework, the military exerts a profound influence not only on soldiers but also on their family members, leading to significant transformations in their personal identities. Van Dick (2004) posits that the degree to which an individual identifies as a member of a group (such as a team or profession) within an organization strongly influences their attitudes and behaviors. This perspective aligns with the literature, which suggests that military spouses and children, albeit unofficially, adopt the rank of their spouse or parent and feel compelled to behave in ways that reflect that rank (Drummet et al., 2003; Kavanagh, 2005). Griffith (2002) further argues that the collaborative relationships and shared experiences among soldiers foster a strong sense of identification with their unit, a phenomenon that appears to extend to military spouses, who similarly undergo a process of identification and experience the impacts of the military lifestyle. The findings of this study indicate that participants have internalized the characteristics necessitated by the military lifestyle and have come to define themselves through these traits. This observation is consistent with existing literature, which portrays military spouses as individuals who are confident, dedicated, self-sacrificing, proud, creative, and resilient (Bakker et al., 2014; Spikol et al., 2024; Ziff & Garland-Jackson, 2020). The study thus suggests that participants perceive themselves as embodying the qualities expected of a soldier.

It is widely acknowledged that the family members of military personnel are psychologically affected by the challenges inherent in the military lifestyle, such as prolonged separations and the demands of a 24/7 work schedule, even if they have not experienced a mental health disorder (Senior et al., 2023). These psychological impacts are typically associated with the duration of military deployments, which impose significant psychological and emotional burdens on the family system (Beder, 2012; Moradi et al., 2021; Pessoa dos Santos et al., 2021). The findings of this study suggest that participants experience considerable emotional difficulties, particularly concerning operational deployments, and report significant anxiety for themselves, their spouses, and their children. In addition, it was noted that some participants occasionally experience psychological disorders. The literature consistently reveals a high prevalence of emotional disturbances among military spouses, including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and adjustment disorders (Mansfield et al., 2010; Medway et al., 1995). Consistent with the literature (Millegan et al., 2014; Rubin, 2012), the study found that the emotional well-being of military children is also impacted by prolonged deployments, prompting parents to manage both their own emotions and those of their children to mitigate these effects. These findings highlight that the psychological effects of the military lifestyle on individuals and families are significant sources of concern at both personal and familial levels, emphasizing the critical role of emotional support strategies in this context.

Participants emphasized that the frequency and uncertainty of military assignments are significant issues. The extension of assignment durations creates uncertainty for both military personnel and their families; this results in military personnel being unable to know their return times and families being unable to predict the physical and emotional challenges they will face. In addition to the routine responsibilities associated with managing the household and caring for children, these physical demands have been exacerbated in non-routine situations, such as during illness. The findings of this study reveal that these burdens are a common topic of discussion among participants. However, the literature typically defines “physical burden” as a condition experienced by the spouses of veterans and military personnel who have suffered physical and psychological injuries or disabilities (Sherman et al., 2008; Yambo et al., 2016).

The lack of social support has further exacerbated the physical burdens experienced by the participants. Social support is regarded as a resource aimed at enhancing individuals’ well-being (Shumaker & Brownell, 1984). The study findings indicate that the challenges of frequent relocations have led to a lack of access to social support, which is consistent with other studies highlighting the psychosocial disruptions associated with such circumstances (Blakely et al., 2014; Spera, 2009). Participants reported experiencing social pressures due to feelings of exclusion from the local community, difficulties in forming new social relationships, and serious safety concerns. These findings align with those reported in the existing literature (Munson & Daley, 2013; Schuh et al., 2016). Although rarely reported in this study, the necessity for some participants to live with their extended family during their spouse’s long deployments reflects national cultural norms and added additional social pressure. This situation offers significant insight into how the inability to separate from extended family impacts social support and living conditions. This finding contributes to our understanding of how family structure and cultural norms influence the social pressures faced by military spouses.

Resilience is defined as the ability to cope with challenges, stress, and uncertainty, emerging as a critical skill in the face of the continuous changes and uncertainties inherent in military life. This study highlights how participants develop their resilience despite the challenges they encounter and the strategies they adopt throughout this process. According to Walsh (2016), the systems approach posits that stress can profoundly impact the fundamental processes within families, leading to significant effects on family dynamics. Initially focused on individuals, the concept of resilience has expanded over time to encompass broader ecological contexts, such as marriage and family relationships, evolving into a capacity based on strength (Patterson, 2002). In this study, resilience is viewed as a characteristic reflecting participants’ tendencies to respond positively to challenges and to explore their inherent potential.

Resilience not only allows individuals to overcome difficulties but also enables personal and emotional growth. Participants have been observed to develop skills for discovering their strengths and managing their emotions, even amid the stress and uncertainties posed by military life. Similar findings exist in the literature; for instance, Davis et al. (2011) indicate that military spouses gain self-confidence, engage in self-discovery, and experience positive developments in their marriages during this process. Furthermore, they have developed a broader awareness of sociopolitical issues, enhancing their ability to view situations from a wider perspective (Wheeler & Torres Stone, 2010).

Research indicates that, in addition to normative life stressors, the separation from their spouses leads military spouses to experience negative consequences such as uncertainty, loneliness, lack of emotional support, and decreased marital satisfaction (Er & Gökçeaslan, 2023; Faber et al., 2008; Schumm et al., 2000). However, this study demonstrates that participants have gained a sense of being part of a military mission, developed a sense of duty, and improved their understanding of society. They have also had the opportunity to explore their personal beliefs and resources. These findings align with Walsh’s theory of family resilience, which suggests that family resilience is supported by shared belief systems, organizational patterns, and strong communication alongside problem-solving skills (Walsh, 2016).

The findings of this study, like those of other research focused on military families (Pflieger et al., 2020), emphasize the importance of focusing on family members’ strengths and how resilience develops within the family context. Participants expressed that they underwent several stages in responding to the challenges of military life. Initially, they developed strategies for coping with stress; next, they sought social support and explored their personal resources. In the final stage, the capacity for resilience within the family structure was strengthened, and emotional balance was achieved at the individual level.

In military marriages, the development of resilience and the reinforcement of strengths are frequently observed phenomena. This situation clearly illustrates how emotions are managed in challenging circumstances and how coping skills for stress are developed. Participants have acquired significant skills in coping with stress and emotional resilience. Similar studies in the literature also support these findings, highlighting the development of resilience and stress management skills among military spouses (Freytes et al., 2017; Padden et al., 2011; Sinclair et al., 2019).

One participant noted significant personal growth while learning how to support her children during her spouse’s long deployment and managing her own emotional needs. Such personal narratives provide concrete examples of how resilience processes are shaped and how coping strategies are developed. The findings of this study indicate the necessity of supporting military spouses in their resilience-building processes. Strengthening social support networks, expanding access to psychological counseling services, and enhancing community engagement can contribute significantly to the resilience of military spouses. In addition, the development of specialized stress management programs for military spouses could provide substantial benefits in cultivating resilience and equipping them with coping strategies for challenges they face.

The data from the study reveal that, despite the acquisition of resilience, there are also disruptions in family dynamics. Family dynamics encompass the interaction patterns, roles, and various factors that determine interactions among family members, which can permanently impact individual development and well-being (P. A. Thomas et al., 2017). Compared to typical family structures, military families face factors such as uncertainty, irregular communication, and role mismatches. While stability, open communication, and mutual role understanding shape the dynamics in ordinary families (M. A. White et al., 2010), uncertainty and disorganization may be more prevalent in military families. The study’s findings support the notion that military families, like civilian marriages, encounter similar stressors; however, these stressors are more likely to cause disruptions in family dynamics (Lowe et al., 2012; Russo & Fallon, 2015).

The study findings indicate that military spouses face unique challenges distinct from those in ordinary marriages, which restrict career opportunities. Factors such as frequent relocations, long deployment periods, local prejudices, and a lack of social support limit employment opportunities and hinder career development for military spouses. Literature identifies frequent relocations as a significant barrier to career advancement for military spouses (Castaneda & Harrell, 2008; Huffman et al., 2019; Ott et al., 2018). In addition, these frequent moves often result in the loss of extended family and close friends. Skomorovsky (2014) has noted that military spouses experience a lack of social support, which negatively affects their psychological well-being. Nevertheless, a positive relationship between social support and psychological well-being among military spouses has been observed (Abdulahi et al., 2024). Drummet et al. (2003) emphasize the impact of social support on military spouses’ ability to cope with deployments. These findings highlight the critical role of social support in managing the challenges of military life and the significant effects of its absence on psychological well-being.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. First, the small sample size of 20 participants, along with the use of snowball sampling, may limit the degree to which the results reflect the experiences of all military spouses. In addition, it should be noted that the subjective opinions of the participants may have been influenced by social desirability bias. The sample consists of voluntary participants, which may have affected the scope of the study due to the higher likelihood of participation among those who feel stronger and more prepared. Voluntary participation can lead to self-selection bias, as only those with the time, preparation, and resources may be able to participate in such interviews. Furthermore, only interviewing military spouses limits the examination of broader family dynamics by excluding other family members. Since the sample is based on Turkish soldiers, this makes it a non-random sample that does not allow for generalization to all Turkish soldiers. This study is limited to military spouses in Turkey, which also restricts the generalizability of the findings to other cultural contexts.

Nevertheless, the strength of the study lies in its focus on a group of soldiers who are actively serving in Turkey and have been deployed in conflict zones for varying lengths of time. This study attempts to address both the effects of military lifestyle and deployments simultaneously. It provides a relatively large sample size for a qualitative study and comprehensively analyzes the experiences of the spouses of veterans. This situation contributes to the literature from a Turkish perspective rather than relying on the more commonly studied contexts of the United States or the United Kingdom. Future research could enhance the generalizability of the findings by utilizing larger and demographically more diverse samples. Including other family members would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of military lifestyle and deployments on family dynamics.