Effect of Short-Term Separation on the Behavioral Health of Military Wives

Abstract

In the current prospective observational study, the impact of short-term separation on female spouses of male military officers who were scheduled to participate in a resident training program was evaluated. Using pre- and post-survey designs, participants were assessed 2 weeks prior to separation and 2 weeks prior to their husbands' returns. Participants completed the following scales: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Relationship Assessment Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory II Scale. No significant differences were found in perceived social support, resilience, perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, or depression scores pre- and post-separation. As predicted, depression scores were positively correlated with perceived stress scores and negatively correlated with resiliency and relationship satisfaction scores. Women with higher levels of resilience experienced lower levels of post-separation stress. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(6), 45-51.].

Communication Mediators of the Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction Among Army Soldiers

“…The link is a strong one: Not only do people's depressive symptoms correspond with both their own and their partner's concurrent relationship satisfaction (Whisman et al, 2004), but a bidirectional association exists between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction over time (e.g., Gustavson et al, 2012;Roberson et al, 2018;Whitton & Whisman, 2010). Within military populations, depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction are negatively correlated among both service members (Foran et al, 2011;Knobloch & Theiss, 2011) and their romantic partners (Dolphin et al, 2015;Oblea et al, 2016). Explanations for why people grappling with depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship are complicated, as noted by scholars investigating both civilians (Gustavson et al, 2012) and service members (Knobloch & Theiss, 2011).…”

Social Networking, Social Support, and Well-being for the Military Spouse

“…13 Perceptions of having greater overall family and friend support, and family support from the military may ameliorate stressors of military spouses and improve overall well-being. [14][15][16] Additionally, military spouses benefit from seeking support and sharing experiences with other military spouses who fully understand the day-to-day challenges of being a military spouse and are seen as trusted resources. 5…”

The exploration of the dispersal of British military families in England following the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010

“…In the Army Families Federation (AFF) Command Brief, 79% of spouses stated that they had compromised on the wellbeing and mental health of the non-serving family members to varying degrees [10]. Research has suggested that social support often mitigates the psychological effects of military-induced separations [11][12][13].…”