Military Families Invited to Participate in Quality of Life Survey

Military spouses and partners are currently invited by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to give their input and share their concerns in a survey taking place this summer.

The Quality of Life (QOL) among Military Families: A Survey of Spouses and Partners of CAF Members is being conducted by the Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA), a research organization within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), to understand the impact military life has on spouses and families.

“By participating in the survey, families can help paint an accurate picture of what the spouse and family experience currently looks like so we can understand their evolving needs. Every response counts and helps paint a fuller picture,” added Williams.

“Results gained from the survey are used to inform policies, programs, and services to support our military families. They also enable us to understand the impact of military service on family members’ quality of life,” said Lisa Williams, defence scientist, Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA).

About the 2022 QOL

The QOL, administered every three to four years on behalf of Military Family Services (MFS), seeks to explore military families’ experiences, attitudes, and well-being in relation to the demands of military service. In addition, it touches on standard military family concerns, such as separation, frequent moves, and housing. Therefore, it is encouraged military families take part in the survey to better inform supportive services, and policies and programs.

The survey is expected to take one hour to complete and is anonymous and voluntary. Those taking part in the survey are asked to answer honestly but are also welcome not to answer questions that are uncomfortable.

This year’s survey also delves into COVID-19 and how it has impacted the lives of families in terms of reduced child care, school closures, increased unemployment, and financial stress.

“By participating in the survey, families can help paint an accurate picture of what the spouse and family experience currently looks like so we can understand their evolving needs. Every response counts and helps paint a fuller picture,” added Williams.

Filling out the Form

Military families interested in taking the survey can click on the link below via any internet-connected device or scan the QR code.

The survey is expected to take one hour to complete and is anonymous and voluntary. Those taking part in the survey are asked to answer honestly but are also welcome not to answer questions that are uncomfortable.

The survey is open throughout the summer to all Regular Force and Reserve Force Families. For any questions or concerns involving the survey, please contact Lisa Williams or the research team. (see links below)

“They will be given detailed information about their participation before any data is collected. Responses will be kept confidential, and only grouped results will be reported (we will not report any individual responses or identifying information). We ask that if someone has already received a postcard inviting them to participate, that they use the link that was provided to them,” explained Williams.

The survey is open throughout the summer to all Regular Force and Reserve Force Families. For any questions or concerns involving the survey, please contact Lisa Williams here or the research team here.

The DND/CAF Social Science Research Review Board has approved the research in accordance with DAOD 5062-0 and 5062-1. The SSRRB approval # is 1983/21F.

Visit here to take part in the survey.