The military family syndrome

Abstract

The author reviewed the case records of 792 children and adolescents seen in a military clinic over a two-year period. His data suggest that the incidence of behavioral disorders was higher in this clinic than in a civilian mental health center. Seven problem areas common to records in which a behavioral disorder was diagnosed were found. The author suggests that the behavioral problems of the group studied represent a process of acting out in the rigid, autocratic system of the military. He also suggests that an approach using systems theory and modified goals may be more helpful in dealing with problems of military families than the traditional individual approach.