Strengthening military families: Evaluating the impact of relationship counseling on UK naval families

Abstract

While it is often assumed that counseling interventions can be helpful in resolving relationship difficulties, there is limited research which provides evidence of this being the case in respect of military families, who are facing additional, unique stressors due to the military lifestyle, which can significantly strain couple relationships and family functioning. This study presents the first empirical evaluation of relationship counseling within the context of UK Naval families, addressing a significant gap in the literature on military family dynamics and wellbeing. Employing a pre-test/post-test mixed methods design, the research draws on data from 187 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families who accessed counseling delivered by a civilian provider through a programme funded by a leading UK naval charity. Quantitative findings, derived from validated individual and family outcome measures, indicate statistically significant improvements in mental well-being, resilient coping, family functioning, and couple communication. Qualitative data further illuminate the complex relationship challenges faced by military families, underscoring the nuanced role of counseling as a supportive intervention. The study highlights the need for targeted mental health support and effective triage systems when military families seek help for relationship difficulties. It also identifies the potential of counseling as a preventative measure to mitigate the relational strain of military life, with implications for family stability and military personnel retention. This research makes an original contribution to understanding the role of counseling interventions in enhancing the wellbeing of military families and informs future policy and practice in community support services for military-connected families.