The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) recently completed work on the Family Wellbeing Study (FWS) dataset and it is now available to approved researchers. Researchers can use it to understand the factors that shape family wellbeing and inform future policy, programs and services for the families of veterans.
The dataset has been de-identified to protect the privacy of participating veterans and families. This means researchers cannot identify individual participants or link information back to a person or family. Access is restricted to approved researchers to safeguard the privacy of study participants and mitigate the risk of re-identification. Appropriate controls are in place to ensure data is used responsibly, and only for research that meets scientific and ethical standards and contributes to the evidence base for veteran and family wellbeing.
The dataset:
- draws on lived experience from more than 1,400 families of veterans and supports new insights into family wellbeing, transition, and service impacts
- strengthens the evidence base to inform policy, programs, and services for families of veterans; and
- improves access to high‑value data for research in the public interest.
To access it, visit the dedicated study webpage on the AIFS website. The page provides key details on:
- the original Family Wellbeing Study (including why and when it was conducted)
- participant demographics (i.e. who took part in the study)
- the available dataset (including the structure of the dataset and topics covered)
- how researchers can apply for access (including eligibility requirements and the application process).
Making the dataset available to approved researchers ensures it can continue to deliver value over time. It enables researchers to build on the original study, explore new questions, and generate further insights without the need for new data collection.
The FWS was commissioned by DVA and Defence as part of the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, the most comprehensive program of research undertaken in Australia on the impacts of military service on members and their families.