Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Participants will be able to explain how frequent permanent changes of station (PCS) create persistent and layered stress across multiple domains of life and influence mental health among military spouses.
2. Participants will be able to describe the Integrated Multi-System Framework (IMF) and the theories that inform it.
3. Participants will learn to use the IMF in clinical social work practice through spouse-centered assessment and intervention planning to support military spouses better.
4. Participants will understand how the IMF guides practice and policy to support military spouse mental health and services.

Presenter Bio

Unsettled Lives: Exploring the link Between Military Moves and Spouse Mental Health examines how frequent relocation, also known as permanent change of station (PCS), contributes to mental health distress and emotional strain among military spouses. Utilizing current research, this capstone project identifies PCS as a cumulative, multi-system stressor rather than a singular life event. Results show that frequent moves interfere with social networks, identity formation, employment, and healthcare continuity, which, over time, increases susceptibility to mental health problems.

This capstone project presents the Integrated Multi-System Framework (IMF), a new approach that integrates ecological systems theory and general systems theory to bridge the gaps between theory and practice. Unlike traditional family-centered or symptom-focused models, IMF emphasizes cumulative risk, systemic interaction, and meaning-making processes particular to spouses. The framework distinguishes itself by focusing on military spouses as individuals with distinct lived experiences, offering a practical guide for identifying specific vulnerabilities, providing targeted supports and interventions, and enabling practitioners to address root causes rather than symptoms.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.