Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this research was to determine relationships among perceived invincibility,
demographic variables, and risk behaviors in adolescents of active duty and retired
military personnel.
Method
An instrument titled the Adolescent Invincibility Tool (AIT) was constructed and administered
to a group of 125 adolescents of military parents. Correlation statistics were analyzed
to determine variable relationships.
Results
The AIT demonstrated reliability (Cronbach's α .88) in measuring invincibility in
this sample. Participant characteristics and demographics were examined and revealed
age, sex, ethnicity, and relocation frequency differences in relationship to the teen's
level of perceived invincibility. Family relocation frequency and parent ranking/rating
were significant variables for a military population. A significant positive relationship
was identified between aggressive, delinquent behavior and invincibility; a negative
correlation was demonstrated between worry and invincibility.
Discussion
This study provided an opportunity to learn about unique influences related to being
the teen of an active duty or retired military parent(s). Study findings indicate
significant differences between military teens and national surveys in regard to risk
taking and mental health indicators. Risk behaviors were found to occur at a lower
frequency than the nationwide average, while depression occurred more frequently in
this sample of military adolescents. Variations among teens of military parents in
invincibility and worry scores provide direction for further study.
Key words
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Biography
Mary Wickman, Director, Pre-Licensure Programs, Department of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, CA.
Biography
Cindy Greenberg, Chair, Department of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, CA.
Biography
Denise Boren, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, California State University, San Marcos, CA.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 09, 2009
Footnotes
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.
Funded by the Triservice Nursing Research Program.
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
