What is this study about?

We are working to understand how military couples think, feel, and communicate after reunion following deployment. We want to know about the ups and downs couples experience after homecoming.

What will the results be used for?

Our findings will be used to develop recommendations to help couples make a smooth transition from deployment to reintegration.

Who is conducting the study?

The lead researcher is Dr. Leanne Knobloch, professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois. Graduate research assistants are Bryan Abendschein, Erin Basinger (project leader), James Kale Monk, and Erin Wehrman. Undergraduate research assistants are Daniel Byrne, Brittany Gibson, Jessica Lee, Kaitlyn Nead, Laura Saldivar, and Claudia Szczepaniak.

Who is funding the study?

The study is being funded by the University of Illinois.

Am I eligible to participate?

You are eligible if:

1. You are in a romantic relationship,

2. You and/or your romantic partner is scheduled to return home from deployment soon,

3. Both of you complete the survey within 7 days of the service member’s return home from deployment,

4. Both of you have access to a secure Internet connection,

5. Both of you have your own email account, and

6. Both of you are willing to participate.

What do participants do?

They complete an online questionnaire during the first week after reunion.

What kinds of questions are asked on the survey?

The survey asks about your experiences during deployment, your health, your relationship with your partner, and how you communicate with your partner.

How long does the survey take?

The survey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

What do individuals receive for participating?

If you and your partner both complete the survey within 7 days of their reunion date, you each will receive a $15 Amazon e-gift card (for a total of $30 per couple). You also get the satisfaction of knowing you are helping out future couples transitioning from deployment to reintegration.

How do I sign up?

To sign up, send an email to military.family.research@gmail.com with:

1. Your name and email address,

2. Your partner’s name and email address (indicate who is coming home from deployment), and

3. The anticipated date or month of service member’s return home.

What if my reunion date is uncertain (or I can’t share it due to OPSEC)?

That’s okay. We prefer to mark our calendars to follow up with couples close to their reunion date (one less thing for them to remember in the midst of homecoming), but if you can’t tell us your reunion date, then we will rely on you to notify us in the day or two after homecoming. Our study is time-sensitive because couples need to complete the survey within 7 days of reunion following deployment, so we want to make sure to catch you during that window.

What if my reunion date changes?

Just let us know when you have updated information, and we will mark our records to follow up with you later.

Do my partner and I have to be married?

No. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, and wives are all welcome to participate.

Can I still participate even if my partner doesn’t want to?

No. Both people must be willing to complete the study.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes. All survey responses are held strictly confidential. Your name will not be stored with your survey responses, and any reports from this study will describe the results only in average. We do not collect identifying information about your unit or command.

My partner and I missed the 7-day window after deployment. Can we still participate?

Unfortunately, no. Our study requires couples to complete the survey within 7 days of reunion following deployment. Feel free to pass our information along to other couples who are eligible.

How long will you be accepting new couples?

We will be recruiting new couples until our funds run out. We expect to be enrolling couples with reunion dates through December of 2017, but it depends on how many couples sign up between now and then. 

Who should I contact if I have other questions?

Email Dr. Leanne Knobloch, Department of Communication, University of Illinois (knobl@illinois.edu).