The present study seeks to model the effects of parenting stress on contentment experienced by spouses of soldiers deployed to Iraq for long periods of time (n= 200). Using the ABC‐X model from family stress and resiliency theory, a path analysis determined that, in addition to parenting stress, the length of deployment and the ethnic background of the Army spouse also acted as contributing stress factors influencing not only contentment, but perception of family coping and the sense of coherence experienced by the spouse during long‐term deployments (mean = 4.6 months). The mean age of children in the home was found to have significant effect on sense of coherence in this particular sample of women. The influence of the stressors in the statistical model on life contentment was mostly ameliorated by sense of coherence (i.e. perception of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness in daily life). In other words, spouses with higher sense of coherence experienced better contentment with their lives during deployments. The study also captures qualitative responses and provides several themes associated with daily experiences of Army spouses. Implications for both military and civilian social workers are discussed.

This exploratory study examines the associated effects of combat exposure on Soldiers assigned to a Midwestern Army National Guard unit. It also explores the secondary and mediating effects of combat exposure on Soldier's spouses and children. The correlations of combat exposure with trauma symptoms, substance abuse, domestic violence and secondary trauma symptoms among family members are identified. Survey results suggest that immediate family members of combat-exposed Soldiers with high levels of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at risk for developing secondary traumatic stress. Secondary trauma symptoms in these spouses are a risk-increasing mediating variable between trauma symptoms in combat-exposed Soldiers and secondary trauma symptoms in their children. Results from this investigation emphasize the need for further inquiry into this topic. They further highlight the need for preventive and treatment efforts targeted toward all family members and relationships in order to lessen the effects of combat exposure.

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This study explored whether potential relationships existed between secondary traumatic stress exposure and various mental and behavioral health outcomes among a nationally representative sample of New Zealand high school students. Secondary data collected as part of the Youth'12 National Youth and Well-Being Survey conducted by the Adolescent Health Research Group of the University of Auckland were used for all analyses (Clark et al., 2013). Univariate, bivariate, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression estimates were used to examine the relationships between exposure to traumatic events of close friends/family members and mental and behavioral health. Approximately 28% of students reported learning of a serious/traumatic event affecting close family or friends. There were significant correlations (p Ͻ .01) between the predictor variable (trauma experienced by close friends/family members) and emotional well-being, depression, emotional problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity. OLS regression model estimates supported bivariate output. Findings suggest that there is a relationship between exposure to trauma from close family/friends and mental and behavioral outcomes among sampled youth. Therapists working with youth who are experiencing emotional or behavioral symptoms should investigate the role secondary trauma might have in these symptoms.