| Military personnel are frequently required to live and work separately from their families, friends, and significant others. Maintaining relationships is paramount to many. The objectives of this study were to examine the correlation between the dependent variables homesickness, contentment, and perceived social support and distance communication media independent variables email, internet instant messenger, chatroom, telephone calling cards, and telephone direct dial, as well as explore distance communication media respondents considered helpful to their experience with separation. All respondents in the study had access to real-time, relatively inexpensive distance communication modalities, and used them. The result of this analysis showed that while respondents took advantage of the distance communication modalities available to them, this did not mitigate the feelings of longing for home and country, loved ones, and significant others. Available social support networks were also identified as receiving much attention from persons who found themselves separated. |
