What are the best and worst things about having a father in UK Armed Forces? Analysis of free text responses

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to explore what adolescents report as the best and worst aspects of having a father in the UK military. Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 171 adolescents aged 11–16 years, via an online questionnaire exploring the impact of paternal military service on childhood well-being (response rate=70%). Questions about the best and worst aspects of their father's military role were examined. Content analysis has been used to code the qualitative data into themes. Results: 85 girls and 86 boys were included with a mean age of 13 years (SD 1.92). The results showed lack of contact as the single most commonly reported negative factor of having a father in the military (61%). Positive aspects of their fathers' job most frequently reported included a sense of pride (25%) and financial benefits (25%). Conclusions: Adolescents take a great deal of pride in their father's jobs in the military, and they enjoy the financial benefits. A majority, however, feel a lack of contact with their father is the most negative factor.