Family Stressors and Resources: Relationships with Depressive Symptoms in Military Couples During Pre‐Deployment

Abstract

Objective To evaluate family‐related stressors and resources associated with the depressive symptoms of military members and their spouses. Background Most deployment‐related research has focused on deployment and reintegration, but there is a dearth of information about military families during the pre‐deployment phase. Family stress theory provided a valuable lens from which to view family‐related risk and protective factors associated with adaptation during times of stressful transition. Method Data were gathered using an online survey from 151 U.S. Army National Guard members and their spouses preparing for a scheduled deployment. Hierarchical regression was utilized to examine associations between the independent variables (e.g., stress pileup, informal and formal resources, deployment preparation) and participants' depressive symptoms. Results Results revealed that aspects of stress pileup were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Informal resources and deployment preparation, but not formal resources, had statistically significant negative associations with individuals' depressive symptoms. Findings were similar for military members and spouses. Conclusion Results indicated that logistical and instrumental preparation, in addition to informal resources such as effective family functioning and social support, are important for positive adaptation in times of stressful transition. Implications Family service professionals may want to assist families with identifying and strengthening their family support and improving family functioning, as well as guide families in a process of identifying the instrumental and logistical tasks that are necessary or helpful for an impending transition.

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

“…Not only do depressive symptoms interfere with operational performance (Welsh et al, 2015), but they also hinder the ability of service members to maintain satisfying relationships (Knobloch & Theiss, 2011). For example, depressive symptoms among military personnel correspond with less marital quality (Trump et al, 2015) and less effective family functioning (Collins et al, 2017).…”

Rejection Sensitivity Mediates the Relationship Between Social-Interpersonal Stressors and Depressive Symptoms in Military Context

“…Additionally, the development of close social ties with peers is helpful in enhancing the sense of belonging and expanding the social networks or social support systems of soldiers; through this protective effect, these bonds with peers buffer depression and improve the mental health of soldiers as well as unit morale (50)(51)(52)(53)(54). Finally, a meta-analysis highlighted that, compared with other marital statuses, being married is a protective factor against depression (55) because family function and social support from family are negatively associated with depression in soldiers (56).…”

“We'll just draw the curtains!”: Military wives’ postures toward predeployment emotional preparation

“…In efforts to define the precise emotional challenges that may accompany deployment, Morse's (2006) revision of the model identifies the three initial emotional challenges experienced before deployment: (a) anticipation of departure, (b) detachment and withdrawal before deployment, and (c) emotional disorganization upon separation. By increasing our understanding of the emotional preparation endeavors during the predeployment phase, service members and their spouses can prepare better for subsequent phases-and communities, friends, and mental health professionals can better assist military wives with these preparations (Collins et al, 2017).…”

“…After service members receive orders for deployment, they begin to prepare by engaging in additional trainings, evaluations, briefings, and potential counseling (Military. com, n.d.;Collins et al, 2017). Previous research highlights how spouses experience an increase in distress pre-deployment (Erbes et al, 2012;Gustavsen, 2017;Sahlstein et al, 2009), which can include significantly greater psychological distress than that of their service members (Erbes et al, 2012).…”