Impact of international missions on military youth and the importance of school comunnity’ support

Abstract

This study intends to acknowledge the impact of international missions on the well-being of military children, and how school community can promote a positive adjustment during missions. In this exploratory and qualitative study participated nine students, whose parents are military, and eight teachers dealing and/or dealt with such students (N = 17). There were three focus groups whose transcriptions were analyzed according to the thematic analysis procedures, using the software QSR Nvivo 10. The results showed that difficulties associated with adaptation of youngsters during the international mission are related to emotional changes and changes in family routines, emphasizing the role of peers and the mother as important sources of support. To a positive adjustment of these students the school community can contribute significantly, in articulation with their parents and the military organization. Guidelines to develop programs about these youngsters’ adjustment are discussed.