Exploring the Challenges Faced By Indian Military Wives during Spousal Deployment/ Field Area Posting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the deployment experience of Indian military wives and to gain insight about the stressors faced by them during the deployment of their spouses and how they coped with these challenges. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 military wives to get a deeper understanding of their lives. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed stressors related to relocation, household hassles and single parenting. Critical events occurring along with these challenges added to the separation woes creating a pile up of stressors. Confronting by acting/listing/postponing, keeping busy to avoid negative emotions, self-care, positive self-talk and praying were a few coping methods employed by the wives.