https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Gros2019

Gros, D. F., Lancaster, C. L., Teves, J. B., & Acierno, R. (2019). Relations between post-deployment divorce/separation and deployment and post-deployment stressors, social support, and symptomatology in Veterans with combat-related PTSD symptoms. Journal of Military, Veteran, and Family Health, 5(2), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2018-0015

This article examined differences between Veterans from recent conflicts (i.e., Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom) who experienced post-deployment divorce/ separation and those who remained married. Data were collected from 73 Veterans (n = 26 who experienced a post-deployment divorce/separation) in treatment for PTSD on measures of deployment stressors (e.g., concerns about physical safety), post-deployment stressors (e.g., losing a job or loved one, not being understood by others), family stressors (i.e., concerned about family relationships while deployed), social support (i.e., having someone to confide in and rely on), mental health (e.g., anxiety), and physical health (i.e., ability to engage in daily activities, perceived pain, overall perception of health). On average, Veterans were similar on most outcomes; however, Veterans who had experienced a post-deployment divorce reported lower social support.

https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2018-0015

Deployment
Mental health
Physical health
Trauma
Veterans

Multiple branches

Veteran

Veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)

Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Secondary Analysis

Gros, Daniel F., Lancaster, Cynthia L., Teves, Jenna B., Libet, Julian, Acierno, Ron

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent diagnosis in combat Veterans. In addition to reduced quality of life in various domains of functioning, PTSD also is associated with poorer relationships and social support, including marital dissatisfaction and divorce. Although post-deployment divorce/separation was noted as problematic in past conflicts, little is known about divorce/separation following modern conflicts, such as Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). The present study investigated the relations between post-deployment divorce/separation and post-deployment stressors, social support, and psychiatric symptomatology in OEF/OIF Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD. Methods: We recruited 98 United States (US) male Veterans from OEF/OIF to participate in the study. Marital status of once-married was required for participation. All participants completed consent documentation and a series of diagnostic interviews and self-report measures. Participants were separated into two groups based on their post-deployment marital status (still married vs. divorced/separated). Results: One-third of the sample indicated they divorced/separated following OEF/OIF. Participants that endorsed a post-deployment divorce/separation demonstrated heightened stress during and after deployment as well as significantly less social support compared to participants who remained married. Discussion: The rates of divorce/separation reported in the sample were comparable to samples of the general American population, despite the elevated risk factors in the Veteran sample (e.g., psychiatric diagnosis). Also, Veterans reporting post-deployment divorce/separation endorsed heightened stress and poorer social support, two factors associated with poorer treatment outcome for PTSD. Together, these findings highlight potential factors associated with post-deployment divorce/separation in OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD.

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

Article
REACH Publication

Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, DFG
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, DFG
Department of Psychology, The University of Nevada, Reno, CLL
Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, JBT
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, JBT
Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, JL
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, JL
Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, DFG
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, RA