Waiting Wives: Separation and Reunion among Army Wives

TLDR

The study investigates how army wives adjust to periods of separation and reunion. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 35 army wives before, during, and after a six‑month deployment to the Sinai, observing their behaviors, attitudes, and perceived adjustment at each stage. Junior enlisted families struggled more with extended deployment, yet reunion was often manageable, especially for women who were employed, had strong social support, and engaged in family support groups.

Abstract

This ethnographic study explores army wives' adjustment to separation and reunion. The women were married to soldiers who were deployed for six months to the Sinai as part of the Multinational Force & Observers. Thirty-five women completed lengthy interviews before and during the separation, just before reunion, and six to eight weeks after the reunion. The women's behaviors, attitudes and perceptions at each of the four stages were noted, and researchers evaluated subjectively the degree to which subjects had adjusted to the separation and reunion. Junior enlisted families had more difficulty than others in coping with extended deployment. While reunion could be stressful as families integrated returning soldiers into family systems, experiences were not always negative. Being employed, having a social support network of friends and family, and participating in family support group activities were important to women who successfully adjusted.