Purdue News

December 16, 2002 International unknowns impact military families' holiday A Purdue family studies expert says families with loved ones in the military may experience more anxiety during this holiday season due to potential international conflict. "Many military families don't know if they are going to be together this holiday season or if they will be separated right after the holidays," says Shelley MacDermid, co-director of the Military Family Research Institute and director of the Center for Families at Purdue University. "This level of uncertainty can make the holidays challenging and add pressure to make this the best holiday ever." MacDermid says the anxiety and stress also can be experienced by civilian families who face uncertainty, such as a chronic illness in the family. CONTACT: MacDermid, (765) 494-6026, shelley@purdue.edu.