Military families carry unique illusion of control burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Illusion of Control Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering illusion of control
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against illusion of control
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or illusion of control creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Illusion of Control
Military children are resilient but face significant illusion of control risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's illusion of control all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Illusion of Control
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost illusion of control support for military families.