Talking about mental health: Dilemmas U.S. military service members and spouses experience post deployment
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Peck, B. S., & Parcell, E. S. (2021). Talking about mental health: Dilemmas U.S. military service members and spouses experience post deployment. Journal of Family Communication, 21(2), 90-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/15267431.2021.1887195
Abstract Created by REACH:
In this study, 50 Service members and their spouses (N = 100 individuals) were interviewed to discuss communication within the couple relationship, specifically communication about mental health concerns during the reintegration period. The aim was to better understand the challenges that Service members and their spouses experience related to communication about mental health. Participant responses revealed six dilemmas that couples experienced when discussing and seeking help for mental health concerns and three perspectives regarding whose responsibility it is to manage these dilemmas.
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Guard/Reserve member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Peck, Brittnie Star, Parcell, Erin Sahlstein
Abstract:
A major concern for the U.S. military, its personnel, and their family members, is mental health among the ranks. Suicide rates among military veterans and active duty military personnel steadily increased post 9/11. Trends show service members are unlikely to seek support for mental health concerns primarily due to the stigma in the military and the broader culture around the issue. We sought to understand the challenges military personnel and their spouses face post-deployment when talking about, suggesting, and seeking mental health support. We interviewed 50 U.S. military service members and their spouses (N = 100). Our thematic analysis identified six dilemmas with three forms (i.e., My, Your, & Our). Findings suggest service members and their families are underserved during the reintegration period and underscore the need for intervention efforts that improve their mental, emotional, and relational well-being.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, BSP
Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, ESP
Keywords:
mental health, suicide rates, military veterans, active duty personnel, stigma
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
University of Nevada–Las Vegas Research Development Award
UNLV Summer Research Grant secured by Sahlstein Parcell
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