Military families carry unique rationalization burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Rationalization 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 rationalization
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against rationalization
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or rationalization creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Rationalization
Military children are resilient but face significant rationalization risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's rationalization all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Rationalization
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost rationalization support for military families.