Sarah O. Meadows

@SarahOMeadows on Twitter

Senior Sociologist; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology, Duke University; B.A. in sociology and psychology, University of Virginia

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Sarah O. Meadows is a senior sociologist at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Her research areas include families and children (both civilian and military) and defense manpower issues, with a particular focus on readiness and resilience, women's reproductive health, and harmful behaviors. Her recent work has focused on health and health behaviors among service members, readiness and resilience among military families, and sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Army. Her work has been published in RAND reports as well as in numerous academic journals. Meadows received her Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology from Duke University and her B.A. in sociology and psychology from the University of Virginia. She also completed a postdoc at the Bendheim-Thoman Center for Research on Child Wellbeing at Princeton University.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination in the Active-Component Army
2022, 2018, and 2015 DoD Health Related Behaviors Survey
The Deployment Life Study
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Program Contribution to Airman and Family Readiness and Resilience
Readiness and resilience among servicemembers and families

Selected Publications

Hunter, Kyleanne M., Sarah O. Meadows, Rebecca L. Collins, and Isabelle González, How the Dobbs Decision Could Affect U.S. National Security, RAND Corporation (PE-A2227-1), 2022

Schell, Terry L., Sarah O. Meadows, Avery Calkins, Matthew Cefalu, Linda Cottrell, and Rebecca L. Collins, Types of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Active-Duty Army, RAND Corporation (RR-A1385-3), 2023

Meadows, Sarah O., Rebecca L. Collins, Megan S. Schuler, Robin L. Beckman, and Matthew Cefalu, The Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) of Active-Duty Service Members, RAND Corporation (RR-A1031-1), 2022

Sarah O. Meadows, Robin Beckman, Charles C. Engel, and Diana D. Jeffery, "The Culture of Alcohol in the U.S. Military: Correlations with Problematic Drinking Behaviors and Negative Consequences of Alcohol Use," Armed Forces & Society, 2021

Meadows, Sarah O., Dionne Barnes-Proby, and Rebecca Ann Lawrence, Support for National Security Families, RAND Corporation (RR-A1021-1), 2022

Calkins, Avery, Matthew Cefalu, Terry L. Schell, Linda Cottrell, Sarah O. Meadows, and Rebecca L. Collins, Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination in the Active-Component Army: Variation in Most Serious Event Characteristics by Gender and Installation Risk, RAND Corporation (RR-A1385-1), 2021

Smucker, Sierra, Sarah O. Meadows, and Robin Beckman, "Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products among Active Component Services Members," Military Medicine, 2021

Meadows, Sarah O., Charles C. Engel, Rebecca L. Collins, Robin L. Beckman, Joshua Breslau, Erika L. Bloom, Michael S. Dunbar, Mary Lou Gilbert, David M. Grant, Jennifer Hawes-Dawson, Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Sarah MacCarthy, Eric R. Pedersen, Michael W., 2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS): Results for the Reserve Component, RAND Corporation (RR-4228), 2021

Honors & Awards

Reuben Hill Award, National Counsel on Family Relations
Best Social Indicators Research Paper Award, International Society for Quality of Life Studies

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: KWMU

Commentary

Health Care Access

Limiting Access to Reproductive Health Care May Undermine National Security
What signal does revoking policies related to improved access to reproductive health care send to young women who are considering the military as a possible path for them? Given an already concerning recruiting environment, can we really afford to further alienate an entire gender when it comes to protecting our national security?
Jul 6, 2023
The RAND Blog
Health Care Access

Abortion After the Dobbs Decision: Q&A with RAND Researchers
The overturning of Roe v. Wade is likely to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including U.S. service women and pregnant women with substance use disorders. And abortion misinformation will likely increase. RAND researchers discuss these issues and potential policy responses.
Oct 25, 2022
Military Force Deployment

Study Finds Most Military Families Are Resilient in Face of Deployment
Despite the fact that service members, spouses, and their children experience frequent deployments to combat zones throughout the world, a recent study of more than 2,700 military families found that they generally fare well and adapt effectively to the stresses of deployment.
Apr 22, 2016
The RAND Blog
Military Families

Military Families: What We Know and What We Don't Know
Never before in our nation's history have our service members and their families been so challenged and never before have their struggles (and successes) been the topic of so much scholarly attention, writes Sarah O. Meadows.
Mar 2, 2012
National Council on Family Relations Report Magazine

Publications

Report
Novel Methods to Assess the Military's Evolving Prevention Capabilities: Development and Pilot Test of the On-Site Installation Evaluation Process
This report describes the development, pilot test, and validity testing of a set of prevention capability metrics to improve the deterrence of sexual assault, sexual harassment, suicide, and domestic violence among military service members.
Jun 28, 2023
Report
Types of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Active-Duty Army
This report describes results of analyses that identify different types of sexual assault and sexual harassment experiences and assess how common each type is in the Army. It uses data from the 2018 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey.
Feb 24, 2023
Research Brief
Actions the Army Can Take to Reduce Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Gender Discrimination
This research brief highlights top-line findings from four different projects that have implications for strategies to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault in the U.S. Army.
Oct 20, 2022
Infographic
Characteristics of Active-Duty Soldiers' Most Serious Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Experiences
This infographic presents characteristics of sexual harassment and sexual assault experiences among U.S. active-duty soldiers, with a focus on identifying differences across several demographic and military characteristics.
Oct 20, 2022
Report
Sexual Assault Experiences in the Active-Component Army: Variation by Year, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Installation Risk Level
Researchers describe the most common types of behaviors that occurred during active-component soldiers' most serious experiences of sexual assault, characteristics of alleged perpetrators, and times and places in which these experiences occurred.
Oct 20, 2022
Infographic
Assessing Reproductive Health Among Active-Duty Service Women in the U.S. Air Force: Results from Respondents to the Women's Reproductive Health Survey
The RAND-developed Women’s Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) was conducted to better understand active-duty service women’s experiences with reproductive health. This infographic presents results for the U.S. Air Force.
Sep 13, 2022
Infographic
Assessing Reproductive Health Among Active-Duty Service Women in the U.S. Army: Results from Respondents to the Women's Reproductive Health Survey
The RAND-developed Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) was conducted to better understand active-duty service women's experiences with reproductive health. This infographic presents results for the U.S. Army.
Sep 13, 2022
Infographic
Assessing Reproductive Health Among Active-Duty Service Women in the U.S. Coast Guard: Results from Respondents to the Women's Reproductive Health Survey
The RAND-developed Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) was conducted to better understand active-duty service women's experiences with reproductive health. This infographic presents results for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sep 13, 2022
Infographic
Assessing Reproductive Health Among Active-Duty Service Women in the U.S. Marine Corps: Results from Respondents to the Women's Reproductive Health Survey
The RAND-developed Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) was conducted to better understand active-duty service women's experiences with reproductive health. This infographic presents results for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sep 13, 2022
Infographic
Assessing Reproductive Health Among Active-Duty Service Women in the U.S. Navy: Results from Respondents to the Women's Reproductive Health Survey
The RAND-developed Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) was conducted to better understand active-duty service women's experiences with reproductive health. This infographic presents results for the U.S. Navy.
Sep 13, 2022
Commentary
How the Dobbs Decision Could Affect U.S. National Security
In this Perspective, the authors use publicly available data to provide an estimate of the scope of the effects of the Dobbs v. Jackson U.S. Supreme Court decision on the health and readiness of the U.S. armed forces.
Sep 13, 2022
Research Brief
The Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) of Active-Duty Service Members: Methods and Analysis
This brief reviews the methods and analysis of the RAND-developed U.S. Department of Defense Women's Reproductive Health Survey, conducted to better understand active-duty service women's experiences with reproductive health.
Sep 13, 2022
Report
The Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) of Active-Duty Service Members
The Women's Reproductive Health Survey addresses legislation requiring a survey about access to family planning and counseling services among active-duty service women.
Sep 13, 2022
Research Brief
Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) of Active-Duty Service Members: Summary Findings and Policy Implications
This brief summarizes results from the RAND-developed Women’s Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS), conducted to better understand active-duty service women’s experiences with reproductive health.
Sep 13, 2022
Report
Diversity in U.S. Military Families: An Environmental Scan of the Peer-Reviewed Literature on Race and Ethnic Variation for Select Well-Being Outcomes
Researchers explore the literature on race and ethnicity in relation to U.S. military service member well-being in the areas of mental health, behavioral health, family violence, marital satisfaction, and financial stress.
Jul 1, 2022
Report
Assessing the Association Between Airmen Participation in Force Support Squadron Programs and Unit Cohesion: An Evaluation of the UNITE Initiative
The UNITE Initiative aims to promote readiness and resilience in the Air Force through events that focus on unit cohesion. The authors describe the results of their evaluation of UNITE and the program's association with unit cohesion.
May 20, 2022
Report
Assessing the Association Between Airmen Participation in Force Support Squadron Programs and Unit Cohesion: Executive Summary
This executive summary encapsulates the findings in Assessing the Association Between Airmen Participation in Force Support Squadron Programs and Unit Cohesion: An Evaluation of the UNITE Initiative (RR-A554-1) 2022.
May 20, 2022
Journal Article
The Culture of Alcohol in the U.S. Military: Correlations With Problematic Drinking Behaviors and Negative Consequences of Alcohol Use
This paper uses data from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey of Active Duty service members to explore associations between alcohol culture and excessive alcohol use, serious consequences, risky driving behaviors, and productivity loss.
Feb 8, 2022
Report
Support for National Security Families
In this report, RAND researchers review the set of support programs and services available to nonmilitary national security families, comparing it with the robust portfolio of resources provided to military families by the Department of Defense.
Jan 21, 2022
Journal Article
Movement Behaviors Associated with Mental Health Among US Military Service Members
We analyzed data from active component service members in the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey. Findings can help inform behavior change interventions to improve psychological fitness and military readiness.
Nov 30, 2021
Tool
A Guide to Evaluating Marine and Family Division Programs, Services, and Capabilities
The goal of this program evaluation toolkit is to help those responsible for implementing U.S. Marine Corps Marine and Family Division programs to determine whether those programs are effective and ultimately to guide efficient use of resources.
Sep 30, 2021
Tool
A Guide to Evaluating Marine and Family Division Programs, Services, and Capabilities: An Introduction to Program Evaluation
The U.S. Marine Corps' Marine and Family Program Division (MF) portfolio includes a variety of programs and services. This tool provides a brief introduction to program evaluation, the use of systematic processes to assess a program's effectiveness.
Sep 30, 2021
Research Brief
Characteristics of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Army: Implications for Prevention Efforts
This research brief highlights top-line findings from two projects that have implications for strategies to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault in the U.S. Army.
Aug 2, 2021
Report
Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination in the Active-Component Army: Variation in Most Serious Event Characteristics by Gender and Installation Risk
This report describes the most common types of behaviors that occur during active-component soldiers' most serious sexual harassment and gender discrimination experiences, characteristics of (alleged) perpetrators, and times and places in which these occur.
Aug 2, 2021
Report
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Policy Alignment Between the Department of Defense and the Services
Each military service branch runs its own Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The authors compare service branch EFMP policy with the overarching Department of Defense (DoD) policy, pointing to areas where each policy may be edited for more consistency.
May 3, 2021
Report
2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS): Results for the Active Component
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey of active component service members.
Apr 28, 2021
Report
2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS): Results for the Reserve Component
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey of reserve component service members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for substance use among reserve component members, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications for the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health, among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications for the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health, among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation and Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation and health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Comparing the Active and Reserve Components
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief compares results for the active component and the reserve component.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health among active component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among the Reserve Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention among reserve component members.
Apr 28, 2021
Research Brief
2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among the Active Component
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This brief reviews results for substance use among active component members, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Airmen: Results from Air Force Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Air Force.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Coast Guardsmen: Results from Coast Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Coast Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Marines: Results from Marine Corps Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Marine Corps.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Sailors: Results from Navy Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Navy.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Active Component Soldiers: Results from Army Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for active component members in the Army.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Air Force Reservists: Results from Air Force Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Air Force Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Air National Guard Members: Results from Air National Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Air National Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Army National Guard Members: Results from Army National Guard Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Army National Guard.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Army Reservists: Results from Army Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Army Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Coast Guard Reservists: Results from Coast Guard Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Marine Corps Reservists: Results from Marine Corps Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Infographic
Assessing the Health Readiness of Navy Reservists: Results from Navy Reserve Respondents to the HRBS
The 2018 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health and health behaviors of service members. This infographic reports key findings for reserve component members in the Navy Reserve.
Apr 28, 2021
Journal Article
Associations Between Mental and Physical Health Conditions and Occupational Impairments in the U.S. Military
Common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD showed robust associations with absenteeism and presenteeism among active duty U.S. military service members.
Feb 19, 2021
Report
The Behavioral Health of Minority Active Duty Service Members
The authors describe the behavioral health of racial/ethnic minority, women, and sexual-minority service members relative to their majority-group peers and examine minority–majority group differences in the military versus civilian populations.
Dec 17, 2020
Report
Air Force Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs and Services: Contribution to Airman and Family Resilience and Readiness
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs are key to resilient and ready Airmen and families. The authors developed a resilience and readiness model and compared it with target outcomes of MWR services. Next steps are also provided.
Jul 31, 2019
Report
Enhancing Family Stability During a Permanent Change of Station: A Review of Disruptions and Policies
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, approximately one-third of military service members experience a permanent change of station (PCS) move every year. The authors researched programs that address PCS-related family disruptions.
Oct 18, 2018
Report
2015 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS)
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey of active-duty service members.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation, Transgender Identity, and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation, transgender identity, and related health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for substance use, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Releated Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Soldiers Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Army.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Coast Guardsmen Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Coast Guard.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Sailors Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Navy.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Marines Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Marine Corps.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Service Members Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Airmen Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Air Force.
Jun 21, 2018
Journal Article
Employment Gaps Between Military Spouses and Matched Civilians
Drawing upon data from the Deployment Life Study, this article examines whether female military spouses (SPs) are disadvantaged relative to matched civilian peers in terms of hours worked and earnings, paying particular attention to gaps among the highest educated women.
Jul 26, 2016
Research Brief
How Military Families Respond Before, During and After Deployment: Findings from the RAND Deployment Life Study
This overview of the findings from the RAND Deployment Life Study describes the effects of deployment on marital relationships, family environment, psychological and behavioral health, child well-being, and military integration.
Apr 15, 2016
Report
The Deployment Life Study: Longitudinal Analysis of Military Families Across the Deployment Cycle
In 2009, RAND launched the Deployment Life Study to study military family readiness. This report presents analyses on marital relationships, family environment, psychological and behavioral health, child well-being, and military integration.
Apr 7, 2016
Journal Article
Maternal Health Status and Early Childbearing: A Test of the Weathering Hypothesis
This study examines the hypothesis of early childbearing as detrimental to maternal well-being.
Nov 24, 2015
Report
Airman and Family Resilience: Lessons from the Scientific Literature
This final report in a series reviews the concepts and measures of resilience, resilience factors, hardiness and flourishing. It highlights the eight fitness domain companion reports and types of Air Force data that could be used to track resilience.
Sep 29, 2015
Report
Environmental Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and Links to Well-Being
This report identifies key environmental stressors experienced by Airmen and examines key resilience factors in the domain of environmental fitness, focusing specifically on prevention and protective measures.
Sep 29, 2015
Journal Article
Patterns of Vulnerabilities and Resources in U.S. Military Families
The appropriate format for services supporting military families depends on how vulnerabilities and resources are distributed across and within those families.
Jul 14, 2015
Report
Family Resilience in the Military: Definitions, Models, and Policies
Summarizes definitions of family resilience in the literature, identifies key family resilience factors, and recommends steps that the Department of Defense can take to manage its portfolio of family resilience programs and policies.
Jul 10, 2015
Report
An Integrated Survey System for Addressing Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Trainees During Basic Military Training
RAND developed an integrated survey system to help the U.S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command monitor and address abuse and misconduct by military training instructors toward trainees during Basic Military Training.
Jun 18, 2015
Report
The Deployment Life Study: Methodological Overview and Baseline Sample Description
The report provides a deeper understanding of military family readiness, describing the measures used in the baseline assessment, data-collection design and procedures, sampling and recruiting procedures, and the baseline sample of military families.
Apr 28, 2014
Report
The Association Between Base-Area Social and Economic Characteristics and Airmen's Outcomes
This report shows whether and how base-area characteristics are associated with individual-level Airman outcomes across several different domains, including health and well-being, social cohesion, and ratings of neighborhood resources.
Feb 3, 2014
Report
Medical Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and Links to Well-Being
This report examines the relationship between medical fitness and resilience, using key constructs found in the scientific literature that address preventive care, presence and management of injuries and chronic conditions, and health care access.
Oct 3, 2013
Report
Exploring the Association Between Military Base Neighborhood Characteristics and Soldiers' and Airmen's Outcomes
This report explores how neighborhood theory and social indicators research shed light on quality of life in and around military bases, gaps in the methodology, and how a more in-depth analysis of military installations could be conducted.
Jan 24, 2013
Research Brief
Linking Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Capabilities to Military Readiness
Current tracking of language, regional expertise, and culture training and capabilities provides limited support for military decisionmaking.
Oct 18, 2012
Report
An Assessment of the Ability of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Services to Measure and Track Language and Culture Training and Capabilities Among General Purpose Forces
This report addresses questions concerning the U.S. Department of Defense's ability to measure and track the language, regional expertise, and culture training and capabilities of general purpose forces.
Oct 17, 2012
Report
Year of the Air Force Family: 2009 Survey of Active-Duty Spouses
Air Force families confront issues related to children, finances, employment, and the effects of moves and deployments but, by and large, remain satisfied with Air Force life.
Mar 3, 2011
Journal Article
The Association Between Perceptions of Social Support and Maternal Mental Health: A Cumulative Perspective
Mothers who perceive that their child's father is supportive are less likely to have mental health problems 5 years after birth; married mothers report the highest levels of supportiveness.
Feb 1, 2011
Research Brief
Sexual Orientation and U.S. Personnel Policy Revisited
Summarizes results of a RAND Corporation study on sexual orientation and U.S. military policy requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense in order to weigh repeal of the law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Dec 23, 2010
Report
Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy: An Update of RAND's 1993 Study
Shares results of a study on sexual orientation and U.S. military policy, requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Secretary of Defense in order to weigh the repeal of the law known as ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell.''
Nov 18, 2010
Draft
Economic Trajectories in Non-Traditional Families with Children
Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, examines associations between family structure and economic trajectories during the first five years after a child's birth, paying special attention to non-traditional families.
Oct 22, 2009
Draft
Longitudinal Perceptions of Supportiveness from Biological Fathers and Maternal Mental Health Problems
Focuses on trajectories of mothers' perceived supportiveness from a biological child’s father and mental health problems five years after the birth.
Sep 29, 2009
Journal Article
Marital Trajectories and Mortality Among US Adults
This study demonstrates that traditional measures oversimplify the relation between marital status and mortality and that sex differences are related to a nexus of marital experiences and associated health risks.
Sep 1, 2009
Journal Article
Family Structure and Fathers' Well-Being: Trajectories of Mental Health and Self-Rated Health
The association between marital status and health among men has been well documented, but few studies track health trajectories following family structure transitions among unmarried fathers.
2009
Journal Article
Is It There When You Need It?
Little is known about the effect of incongruity between perception of, or belief in, the availability of support and actual receipt of support during a time of need.
2009
Journal Article
Stability and Change in Family Structure and Maternal Health Trajectories
This article examines trajectories of maternal mental and physical health using data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study.
2008
Journal Article
Evidence of Parallel Pathways: Gender Similarity in the Impact of Social Support on Adolescent Depression and Delinquency
Examines possible parallel pathways between social support (from parents, peers and schools) and depression in females and delinquency in males.
Mar 1, 2007
Journal Article
Disaggregating the Effects of Marital Trajectories on Health
Recent studies linking marital status and health increasingly focus on marital trajectories to examine the relationship from a life course perspective.
2007
Journal Article
Measuring Trends in Child Well-Being: An Evidence-Based Approach
This paper first reviews the goals of the founding documents of the social indicators and quality-of-life movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
2007
Journal Article
Parental Depression and Anxiety and Early Childhood Behavior Problems Across Family Types
Using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we examine the association between parental major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders and child behavior problems across family types: married, cohabiting, involved nonresident father, and noninvolved nonresident father.
2007