Abstract
This heuristic study investigated the implications of growing up as a military kid (MK) on the
researcher’s sense of home and belonging in adulthood. The study was guided by the question,
“How can the researcher use art to create a cohesive perception of home and belonging in
adulthood, after growing up as a military kid?” Current literature examines a) military culture,
b) military families’ (MFs) wellbeing and stressors, c) developmental theories, d) current
treatment, and e) art therapy interventions. However, little research examines how MKs are
affected in adulthood regarding their sense of home and belonging. This study was conducted in
three stages, which incorporated the use of personal photos, adapted Sense of Belonging
Instrument (SOBI) questionnaires, visual and written journal entries, and the creation of a quilt.
Four major themes that emerged related to the researcher’s sense of home and belonging were
(a) fragmentation (b) military culture (c) internal versus external experiences and (d) mental
health throughout those three major themes. Future recommendations include using the art
directives within this study to assist population(s) with high rates of residential mobility in
shifting from a fragmented narrative of home and belonging to a cohesive narrative.
