A model of deployment readiness among military spouses: The role of mental health and deployment-related personal growth

Richardson, S. M., Pflieger, J. C., Woodall, K. A., Stander, V. A., & Riviere, L. A. (2020). A model of deployment readiness among military spouses: The role of mental health and deployment-related personal growth. Military Behavioral Health, 8(4), 378-395. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2020.1825240

Using a sample of 5,748 military couples, this study examined whether Service members’ deployment-related risks (i.e., number of previous deployments, combat exposure, deploymentrelated injury) and spouses’ deployment-related resources (i.e., formal and informal support, communication during most recent deployment) were associated with spouses’ deployment readiness (i.e., ability to manage demands of deployment). Further, Service members’ and spouses’ mental health (e.g., emotional wellbeing, social functioning) as well as spouses’ personal growth were examined as factors that may explain the associations between Service members’ deployment risks, spouses’ deployment-related resources, and spouses’ deployment readiness. Demographics (e.g., age, gender), service characteristics (e.g., rank), and marital satisfaction were included as covariates. Deployment-related risks and resources were directly and indirectly related to spousal deployment readiness through Service members’ and spouses’ mental health and spousal personal growth.

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