PurposeResearch has focused on cigarette use motives and have not included military personnel. The current study assessed tobacco use motives for different products, and differences within males and females and those with different racial identities given historical disparities in tobacco use.DesignA cross-sectional survey about tobacco use was administered from October 2019 to February 2022.SettingFour Technical Training bases in the US.SampleAir Force Airmen who used tobacco (N = 3243).MeasuresQuestions were about sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco use, and the Tobacco Motives Inventory (representing affect regulation, boredom, enhancement, and social motives).AnalysisLinear regressions assessed associations between overall tobacco use and motives. Stratified analyses assessed associations between tobacco use and motives among males and females, and individuals from different racial backgrounds. Logistic regressions assessed differences in motives and use of different tobacco products between ?some day? and ?everyday? users.ResultsOverall, boredom (B = .09, SE = .01) and affect regulation (B = .05, SE = .00) motives were associated with higher tobacco use. Males and females and individuals from different racial backgrounds endorsed different motives, but all endorsed boredom as a motive for higher tobacco use. Individuals who used cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or smokeless tobacco ?some days? endorsed higher social motives than everyday users, but everyday users endorsed different motives across products.ConclusionThere are motives differentiating between ?some day? and ?everyday? users of tobacco products, which may need to be differentially targeted in intervention programs. Additionally, there are some overlapping motives (affect regulation, boredom) that may be beneficial to address with all tobacco users.
Search Results
Library (18)
Showing library results for: February 2022
1 - 18 of 18
1 Motives of tobacco use among young adults in the United States Air Force
Motives of tobacco use among young adults in the United States Air Force
APA Citation:
Pebley, K., Pilehvari, A., Krukowski, R. A., Morris, J. D., & Little, M. A. (2023). Motives of tobacco use among young adults in the United States Air Force. American Journal of Health Promotion. 37(6), 778-785. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231156527
Focus:
Substance use
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Pebley, Kinsey; Pilehvari, Asal; Krukowski, Rebecca A.; Morris, James D.; Little, Melissa A.
2023
Primary care for veterans experiencing homelessness: A narrative review of the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) model
APA Citation:
Tsai, J., Havlik, J., Howell, B. A., Johnson, E., & Rosenthal, D. (2023). Primary care for veterans experiencing homelessness: A narrative review of the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) model. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38, 765-783. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-022-07970-y
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Tsai, Jack; Havlik, John; Howell, Benjamin A.; Johnson, Erin; Rosenthal, David
2023
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Veterans Health (VA) implemented a homeless-tailored primary care medical home model called the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (HPACTs). The impact of HPACTs on health and healthcare outcomes of veterans experiencing homelessness has not been adequately synthesized. This narrative review summarized peer-reviewed studies published in databases Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and APA PsycInfo from 1946 to February 2022. Only original research studies that reported outcomes of the HPACT model were included in the review. Of 575 studies that were initially identified and screened, 26 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Included studies were categorized into studies that described the following: (1) early HPACT pilot implementation; (2) HPACT’s association with service quality and utilization; and (3) specialized HPACT programs. Together, studies in this review suggest HPACT is associated with reductions in emergency department utilization and improvements in primary care utilization, engagement, and positive patient experiences; however, the methodological rigor of the included studies was low, and thus, these findings should only be considered preliminary. There is a need for randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of the PACT model on key outcomes of interest, as well as to determine whether the model is a viable way to manage healthcare for persons experiencing homelessness outside of the VA system.
Mental health service use, suicide behavior, and emergency department visits among rural US veterans who received video-enabled tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic
APA Citation:
Gujral, K., Van Campen, J., Jacobs, J., Kimerling, R., Blonigen, D., & Zulman, D. M. (2022). Mental health service use, suicide behavior, and emergency department visits among rural US veterans who received video-enabled tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA Network Open, 5(4), e226250. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.6250
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Gujral, Kritee; Van Campen, James; Jacobs, Josephine; Kimerling, Rachel; Blonigen, Dan; Zulman, Donna M.
2022
Suicide rates are rising disproportionately in rural counties, a concerning pattern as the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified suicide risk factors in these regions and exacerbated barriers to mental health care access. Although telehealth has the potential to improve access to mental health care, telehealth’s effectiveness for suicide-related outcomes remains relatively unknown.To evaluate the association between the escalated distribution of the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) video-enabled tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic and rural veterans’ mental health service use and suicide-related outcomes.This retrospective cohort study included rural veterans who had at least 1 VA mental health care visit in calendar year 2019 and a subcohort of patients identified by the VA as high-risk for suicide. Event studies and difference-in-differences estimation were used to compare monthly mental health service utilization for patients who received VA tablets during COVID-19 with patients who were not issued tablets over 10 months before and after tablet shipment. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2021 to February 2022.Receipt of a video-enabled tablet.Mental health service utilization outcomes included psychotherapy visits, medication management visits, and comprehensive suicide risk evaluations (CSREs) via video and total visits across all modalities (phone, video, and in-person). We also analyzed likelihood of emergency department (ED) visit, likelihood of suicide-related ED visit, and number of VA’s suicide behavior and overdose reports (SBORs).The study cohort included 13 180 rural tablet recipients (11 617 [88%] men; 2161 [16%] Black; 301 [2%] Hispanic; 10 644 [80%] White; mean [SD] age, 61.2 [13.4] years) and 458 611 nonrecipients (406 545 [89%] men; 59 875 [13%] Black or African American; 16 778 [4%] Hispanic; 384 630 [83%] White; mean [SD] age, 58.0 [15.8] years). Tablets were associated with increases of 1.8 psychotherapy visits per year (monthly coefficient, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.13-0.17), 3.5 video psychotherapy visits per year (monthly coefficient, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.27-0.31), 0.7 video medication management visits per year (monthly coefficient, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.055-0.062), and 0.02 video CSREs per year (monthly coefficient, 0.002; 95% CI, 0.002-0.002). Tablets were associated with an overall 20% reduction in the likelihood of an ED visit (proportion change, −0.012; 95% CI, −0.014 to −0.010), a 36% reduction in the likelihood of suicide-related ED visit (proportion change, −0.0017; 95% CI, −0.0023 to −0.0013), and a 22% reduction in the likelihood of suicide behavior as indicated by SBORs (monthly coefficient, −0.0011; 95% CI, −0.0016 to −0.0005). These associations persisted for the subcohort of rural veterans the VA identifies as high-risk for suicide.This cohort study of rural US veterans with a history of mental health care use found that receipt of a video-enabled tablet was associated with increased use of mental health care via video, increased psychotherapy visits (across all modalities), and reduced suicide behavior and ED visits. These findings suggest that the VA and other health systems should consider leveraging video-enabled tablets for improving access to mental health care via telehealth and for preventing suicides among rural residents.
Comparison of social and economic stress in military and civilian families: A rapid review of the evidence
APA Citation:
Jiang, H., Dowling, R., Hameed, M., Painter, F., Vuong, A., Booth, A., Opie, J., Boh, J., McLean, N., & McIntosh, J. E. (2022). Comparison of social and economic stress in military and civilian families: A rapid review of the evidence. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10(11), Article 11. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2022.1011022
Focus:
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Jiang, Heng; Dowling, Rowan; Hameed, Mohajer; Painter, Felicity; Vuong, An; Booth, Anna; Opie, Jessica; Boh, Jessica; McLean, Natalie; McIntosh, Jennifer E.
2022
Although many military families demonstrate resilience and strength, research highlights that military service may impact the health and wellbeing of families. In comparison with civilian families, military families are embedded within a broader military context and culture which may influence many aspects of family life, including socioeconomic status and social participation. This rapid review utilised a systematic methodology to synthesise the evidence of comparing possible differences of the socioeconomic and social participation of military families with civilian families. Relevant online databases such as Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Central were searched for articles published between January 2000 and February 2022. After screening 3057 articles, five studies were included for analysis. The results highlight considerable income, education and employment gaps between current serving military and civilian spouses. An association was found between social, economic status and increased risk of violence or assaults in military families. Specifically, younger age and decline in health status were key predictors of domestic violence assaults in military families. This review highlights emerging evidence and recommends further Australian-based research with military families. Policy, research, and practice implications are discussed with consideration to preventative interventions tailored towards strengthening health, wellbeing, and socio-economic status of military families.
The effectiveness of simulation-based training on the competency of military nurses: A systematic review
APA Citation:
Niu, A., Ma, H., Zhang, S., Zhu, X., Deng, J., & Luo, Y. (2022). The effectiveness of simulation-based training on the competency of military nurses: A systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 119, Article 105536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105536
Focus:
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Niu, Aifang; Ma, Huijuan; Zhang, Suofei; Zhu, Xiaoli; Deng, Jing; Luo, Yu
2022
Background Simulation is an integral component of healthcare education and military training. There is substantial evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of simulation-based training in nursing and the military; however, its effectiveness for military nurses has not been established in systematic reviews. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based training on the competency of military nurses and provide guidance for future research on the training of military nurses. Design A scoping literature review of PRISMA was used to guide the review. Methods Six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for English articles. The following search terms were used in different combinations: simulation, simulate, military, army, nurses, competency, training, and education. Our database search began in 2000 and ended in February 2022. Additionally, we conducted a manual search of the references of the identified studies. Results In this review, ten studies published between 2008 and 2021 were included, nine were from the United States and one was from the United Kingdom. The results showed that simulation-based interventions were effective in military nurse competency training, including individual knowledge, skills, abilities and thinking, team communication and collaboration abilities, competency enhancement and maintenance. Simulations can effectively train the competencies of newly graduated military nurses, nurses during daily work, and in preparing nurses during deployment. Conclusion Existing studies on simulation-based training of military nurses are limited. Additional research is needed to assess other competency training for military nurses, pre-deployment training, and training using other simulation methods. It is important to find suitable simulation training methods for the different competencies required of military nurses.
6 Screening for intimate partner violence experience and use in the Veterans Health Administration
Screening for intimate partner violence experience and use in the Veterans Health Administration
APA Citation:
Portnoy, G. A., Relyea, M. R., Presseau, C., Orazietti, S. A., Bruce, L. E., & Brandt, C. A. (2023). Screening for intimate partner violence experience and use in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Network Open, 6(10), Article e2337685. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37685
Focus:
Veterans
Trauma
Programming
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research
Portnoy, Galina A.; Relyea, Mark R.; Presseau, Candice; Orazietti, Skye A.; Bruce, LeAnn E.; Brandt, Cynthia A.
2023
Importance The practice of screening women for intimate partner violence (IPV) in health care settings has been a critical part of responding to this major public health problem. Yet, IPV prevention would be enhanced with detection efforts that extend beyond screening for IPV experiences to identifying those who use violence in relationships as well. Objective To determine rates of IPV experiences and use (ie, among perpetrators of IPV) and factors associated with disclosures among adult patients seeking mental health services at the Veterans Health Administration. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used electronic medical record data drawn from a quality improvement initiative at 5 Veterans Health Administration medical centers conducted between November 2021 and February 2022 to examine IPV disclosures following concurrent screening for IPV experience and use. Participants included patients engaged in mental health services. Data were analyzed in April and May 2023. Exposure Mental health clinicians were trained to screen for IPV experience and use concurrently and instructed to screen all patients encountered through routine mental health care visits during a 3-month period. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes of interest were past-year prevalence of IPV use and experience, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical diagnoses among screened patients. Results A total of 200 patients were offered IPV screening. Of 155 participants (mean [SD] age, 52.45 [15.65] years; 124 [80.0%] men) with completed screenings, 74 (47.7%) denied past-year IPV experience and use, 76 (49.0%) endorsed past-year IPV experience, and 72 (46.4%) endorsed past-year IPV use, including 67 participants (43.2%) who reported IPV experience and use concurrently; only 9 participants (5.8%) endorsed unidirectional IPV experiences and 5 participants (3.2%) endorsed unidirectional IPV use. Patients who reported past-year IPV experience and use were younger than those who denied IPV (experience: mean difference, −7.34 [95% CI, 2.51-12.17] years; use: mean difference, −7.20 [95% CI, 2.40-12.00] years). Patients with a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis were more likely to report IPV use (43 patients [59.7%]) than those without a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis (29 patients [40.3%]; odds ratio, 2.14; [95% CI, 1.12-4.06]). No other demographic characteristics or clinical diagnoses were associated with IPV use or experience. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of IPV rates and associated factors, screening for IPV found high rates of both IPV experience and use among patients receiving mental health care. These findings highlight the benefit of screening for IPV experience and use concurrently across gender and age. Additionally, the associations found between PTSD and IPV use underscore the importance of strengthening and developing additional targeted treatment for IPV.
7 The impact of military sexual trauma and warfare exposure on women veterans’ perinatal outcomes
The impact of military sexual trauma and warfare exposure on women veterans’ perinatal outcomes
APA Citation:
Nillni, Y. I., Fox, A. B., Cox, K., Paul, E., Vogt, D., & Galovski, T. E. (2022). The impact of military sexual trauma and warfare exposure on women veterans’ perinatal outcomes. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 14(5), 730–737. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001095
Focus:
Children
Parents
Trauma
Physical health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Nillni, Yael I.; Fox, Annie B.; Cox, Koriann; Paul, Emilie; Vogt, Dawne; Galovski, Tara E.
2022
Objective: In the general population, history of trauma is associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes, which have long-term negative consequences for both mother and child. Research examining the impact of trauma, particularly trauma occurring during military service, on perinatal outcomes among women veterans is still in its nascence. The current study examined if warfare exposure and military sexual trauma (MST) contributed unique variance to the prediction of a broad range of adverse perinatal outcomes (i.e., preterm birth, full-term birth, infant birth weight, postpartum depression and/or anxiety). Method: Women veterans living across the U.S. (oversampled for veterans living in high crime communities) completed a mail-based survey, and reported information about all pregnancies that occurred since enlistment in the military. They also reported on warfare exposure and MST using the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory. Results: A total of 911 women reported on 1,752 unique pregnancies. Results revealed that MST, but not warfare exposure, was associated with having a lower infant birth weight (B = −17.30, SE = 5.41), a slight decrease in the likelihood of having a full-term birth (OR = .97, 95% CI [.93, 1.00]), and an increased likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety (OR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.10, 1.14]) above and beyond age at pregnancy, racial/ethnic minority status, childhood violence exposure, and warfare exposure. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of screening for MST during pregnancy and trauma-informed obstetric care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Inhibitory control moderates the intervention effects of a preventive parenting program on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among male service members
APA Citation:
Zhang, J., Buchanan, G. J. R., Monn, A. R., & Gewirtz, A. H. (2022). Inhibitory control moderates the intervention effects of a preventive parenting program on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among male service members. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 35(1), 235-245. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22724
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Parents
Physical health
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Zhang, Jingchen; Buchanan, Gretchen J. R.; Monn, Amy R.; Gewirtz, Abigail H.
2022
Military servicemembers face substantial challenges due to war-related trauma exposure, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with deficits in inhibitory control (IC) may have an increased risk of developing PTSD due to a reduced ability to regulate their cognitive responses to and disengage from trauma-related stimuli. After Deployment, Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) is a mindfulness-infused parenting program for military families that has also been found to have crossover effects on parental mental health. The present study examined whether fathers’ IC at baseline affected their response to this emotional skills–focused intervention and further influenced their PTSD symptoms 1 year later. The sample included 282 male National Guard and Reserve (NG/R) service members who had recently been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Fathers were randomly assigned to either the ADAPT program or a control condition, with IC measured at baseline and PTSD symptoms measured at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed no significant main effect of the intervention on fathers’ PTSD symptoms. However, fathers’ IC moderated intervention effects on PTSD symptoms, f2 = 0.03. The intervention had more beneficial effects on reducing fathers’ PTSD symptoms for participants with low IC at baseline. These findings are consistent with compensatory effects in the risk moderation hypothesis, which suggests that prevention or intervention programs are more effective for high-risk subgroups.
The use of a brief family intervention to reduce dropout among veterans in individual trauma-focused treatment: A randomized controlled trial
APA Citation:
Thompson-Hollands, J., Lee, D. J., & Sloan, D. M. (2021). The use of a brief family intervention to reduce dropout among veterans in individual trauma-focused treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 34(4), 829 – 839. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22680
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Programming
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Thompson-Hollands, Johanna; Lee, Daniel J.; Sloan, Denise M.
2021
Dropout from trauma-focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a daunting challenge for the field, particularly among military and veteran samples. Family involvement may help to increase the effectiveness of PTSD treatment while also improving retention. We tested a two-session brief family intervention (BFI) protocol delivered as an adjunct to individual trauma-focused treatment among a sample of 20 veteran–family member dyads (N = 40). Willingness to participate in the family-inclusive protocol was high, with over 85% of veterans and family members who were screened agreeing to take part. All enrolled veterans were beginning a course of either cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE), delivered in outpatient Veterans Affairs clinics. Family members were randomized to either receive or not receive the BFI from study clinicians. In the BFI condition, 20.0% of veterans dropped out of CPT/PE before the 16-week study end; the remainder were either still attending on-protocol sessions or had completed the full protocol. In the control condition, 40.0% of veterans dropped out of CPT/PE before the end of the study. Observed significant, large-magnitude decreases in PTSD symptoms over time did not differ by condition, ESsg range = −1.12 to −2.04. Accommodation did not significantly decrease over time in either condition, ESsg range = 0.18 to −0.98. The BFI represents a promising option for veterans, family members, and clinicians who are seeking a brief, feasible, narrowly focused method for incorporating families into veterans’ individual trauma-focused therapy and potentially reducing the rate of dropout.
Treating postpartum depression in rural veterans using internet delivered CBT: Program evaluation of MomMoodBooster
APA Citation:
Solness, C. L., Kroska, E. B., Holdefer, P. J., & O’Hara, M. W. (2021). Treating postpartum depression in rural veterans using internet delivered CBT: Program evaluation of MomMoodBooster. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 44(4), 454– 466. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-020-00188-5
Focus:
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Solness, Cara L.; Kroska, Emily B.; Holdefer, Paul J.; O'Hara, Michael W.
2021
Depression in the postpartum period impacts approximately 13–26% of the general population. This number can be much higher for rural veteran women who face additional barriers to accessing specialized mental health services due to isolation and cultural factors. This study reports on a program evaluation of MomMoodBooster, a coach-supported internet-delivered CBT program for the treatment of maternal depression in veteran women. Repeated measures ANOVA, run with this sample of 326 women, demonstrated an overall positive effect size across outcome measures and engagement with no differences found between rural women and their urban counterparts. Some differences between urban and rural participants were found in total and average time spent with coaches as well as ratings of coach helpfulness, possibly indicating some cultural differences between coaches and rural women that need to be addressed. These results and the results of earlier trials suggest that MomMoodBooster can be a valid and efficacious option for reaching under-served veteran populations with specialized postpartum mental health support and is as effective with rural women as with urban women
Combat deployment experiences and soldier mental health: Examining the factor structure of a combat experiences scale
APA Citation:
Sherman, H., Frye-Cox, N., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2021). Combat deployment experiences and solider mental health: Examining the factor structure of a combat experiences scale. Military Medicine, usab456. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab456
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Sherman, Haley; Frye-Cox, Nicky; Lucier-Greer, Mallory
2021
Researchers and practitioners are invested in understanding how deployment experiences impact the nearly 193,000 U.S. service members who deploy in a given year. Yet, there remains a need to adequately identify salient deployment experiences through survey measurement tools and understand how differential experiences are uniquely related to mental health outcomes. Therefore, this study examined the factor structure of an established combat experiences measure from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service members (Army STARRS) dataset to identify underlying survey constructs that reflect nuanced deployment experiences. Then, we examined the association between diverse combat experiences and current mental health symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms) and the mediating role of coping.Data were drawn from the Army STARRS data (N = 14,860 soldiers), specifically the All Army Study component. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the dimensionality of the combat experiences scale, and then a path model was conducted to examine the relationships between combat experiences, coping with stress following a deployment, and mental health symptoms while controlling for relevant individual and interpersonal factors.Results from the principal component analysis suggested that the Army STARRS combat experiences scale encompasses two components, specifically: “Expected combat experiences” and “Responsible for non-enemy deaths.” Both “Expected combat experiences” and “Responsible for non-enemy deaths” were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively, and “Responsible for non-enemy deaths” was also indirectly linked to these mental health outcomes through coping with stress after deployment.These findings provide insight into the dimensionality of combat experiences and offer practitioners a more nuanced understanding of how to process unique combat experiences that differentially relate to mental health symptoms.
12 Military stressors, parent-adolescent relationship quality, and adolescent adjustment
Military stressors, parent-adolescent relationship quality, and adolescent adjustment
APA Citation:
Farnsworth, M. L., & O’Neal, C. W. (2021). Military stressors, parent-adolescent relationship quality, and adolescent adjustment. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30, 2718-2731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02106-y
Focus:
Children
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Farnsworth, Meredith L.; O'Neal, Catherine W.
2021
Elements of military life can create challenges for all family members, including military-connected adolescents, and can have detrimental consequences for their adjustment. Although research with samples of military-connected adolescents has examined the influences of military stressors for adolescent adjustment (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety), less research has identified possible mechanisms responsible for these effects, particularly the role of specific familial factors. Drawing from social ecological theory and attachment theory, we examined the associations between military stressors (e.g., parental rank, combat deployments, permanent change of station moves) and self-reported adolescent adjustment (e.g., depressive symptoms, self-efficacy) along with examining adolescents’ perceptions of parent-adolescent relationship quality with both the active duty and civilian parent as a linking mechanism. Using a path analysis, data from 265 Army families were examined to identify the direct and indirect associations between military stressors and adolescent adjustment through parent-adolescent relationship quality. Most military stressors were not significantly related to relationship quality of either parent or indicators of adolescent adjustment. However, parent-adolescent relationship quality with each parent (active duty and civilian parent) was uniquely related to adolescents’ adjustment. Discussion is provided regarding how military stressors and familial factors are conceptualized within the context of military families and implications for future research, family therapy, and policies are suggested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
News from the front: A monthly study on stress and social support during a military deployment to a war zone
APA Citation:
Ragsdale, J. M., Kochert, J. F., & Beehr, T. A. (2021). News from the front: A monthly study on stress and social support during a military deployment to a war zone. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 26(4), 326–338. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000278
Focus:
Deployment
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Ragsdale, Jennifer M.; Kochert, Jonathan F.; Beehr, Terry A.
2021
Soldiers deployed to combat zones are likely to experience some stressful situations that can result in individual strains or ill health. In addition to the stressors originating in situ, problems at home can also affect soldiers’ strains and attitudes about deployment. However, they may also possess resources in the form of social support from both their comrades and family that, based on resources theories of occupational stress, can lessen strains or enhance attitudes. A serious problem in examining this issue is the difficulty of studying their occupational stress, because collecting data in their work situation—a combat zone—is inherently complicated. Most studies rely on past recollection of the deployment situation in post-deployment data collections, with some studies including a pre-deployment measure or one data collection during deployment. The present study was the first to collect data from soldiers periodically (monthly) over the course of their entire deployment to a combat zone, which has the advantage of providing more accurate tracking of stressor and resource effects on both their strains and positive deployment attitudes closer to real time. This monthly diary study found that, consistent with resource theories of occupational stress, the previous month’s combat stressors had a detrimental effect on many outcomes, and the resource of social support from work and home during the previous month improved physical health and depression, respectively. Future research should not only replicate this approach to data collection but also extend the measurement periods to examine soldiers’ readjustment process after returning home. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Association between cumulative risk and protective factors with mental distress among female military spouses
APA Citation:
Sullivan, K. S., Park, Y., Cleland, C. M., Merrill, J. C., Clarke-Walper, K., & Riviere, L. A. (2021). Association between cumulative risk and protective factors with mental distress among female military spouses. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 91(6), 789–799. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000579
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Sullivan, Kathrine S.; Park, Yangjin; Cleland, Charles M.; Merrill, Julie C.; Clarke-Walper, Kristina; Riviere, Lyndon A.
2021
Objective: Guided by a resilience framework, this study examines the accumulation of risk and protective factors, as well as the potential buffering effects of protective factors on mental distress among female military spouses. Background: Most research with this population has focused on individual risk factors affecting military spouses. Less frequently have the effects of cumulative risk, risk factors not specifically associated with military service, or protective factors been examined, though there is evidence for their importance. Method: This study used secondary survey data from 334 female Army spouses collected in 2012 as part of the Land Combat Study 2. Cumulative risk and protective factor scores as well as scores within risk (intrapersonal, family, and military-specific) and protective (individual and environmental) factor domains were calculated. Four structural equation models were run to examine main and interaction effects on mental distress, a latent variable representing depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. Results: In cumulative risk and protective factor models, cumulative risk was directly, positively associated with mental distress. This relationship was moderated by cumulative protection. In domain-specific models, only family risk was directly associated with mental distress. This relationship was moderated by environmental protective factors. Conclusion: Findings indicate mental distress among military spouses is associated with exposure to cumulative risk and attenuated by the presence of certain domains of protective factors. Family risk factors including marital distress and work-family conflict may be particularly pernicious stressors, but informal and structural supports may be important targets for prevention and intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Combat experience, new-onset mental health conditions, and posttraumatic growth in U.S. service members
APA Citation:
Jacobson, I. G., Adler, A. B., Roenfeldt, K. A., Porter, B., LeardMann, C. A., Rull, R. P., & Hoge, C. W. (2021). Combat experience, new-onset mental health conditions, and posttraumatic growth in U.S. service members. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes. 84(3), 276-290. https://doi.org./10.1080/00332747.2021.1929770
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Navy
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Jacobson, Isabel G.; Adler, Amy B.; Roenfeldt, Kimberly A.; Porter, Ben; LeardMann, Cynthia A.; Rull, Rudolph P.; Hoge, Charles W.
2021
Objective: Studies examining posttraumatic growth (PTG) rely on surveys evaluating PTG in relation to prior traumatic experiences, resulting in psychometric problems due to the linkage of the dependent and independent variables. Few studies have assessed PTG following combat deployment while also controlling for mental health problems.Method: Longitudinal data on PTG, combat experience, and mental health were examined among U.S. Millennium Cohort Study deployers (n = 8732). Scores from a short-form (SF) version of the PTG inventory assessing current-state beliefs (C-PTGI-SF) independent of any predictor variables were assessed at time 1 (T1), before deployment, and change in scores were assessed approximately 3 years later after deployment at time 2 (T2). All participants screened negative for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at T1.Results: Combat deployment severity was associated with a worsening of C-PTGI-SF scores at T2 among participants with moderate C-PTGI-SF scores at T1. A positive screen for comorbid PTSD/depression was associated with a worsening of C-PTGI-SF scores at T2 among participants with moderate or high C-PTGI-SF scores at T1. At T2, a strong inverse correlation was found between C-PTGI-SF scores and PTSD (r = -0.38) and depression (-0.41). Only 5% of participants who screened positive for a mental health problem at T2 (23/517) also experienced positive growth.Conclusions: These results challenge the clinical utility of the PTG construct. While PTG may be a useful framework for supporting trauma recovery on an individual basis, PTG does not appear to be distinct and independent from the negative psychological impact of traumatic experiences.
The role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative affect in predicting substantiated intimate partner violence incidents among military personnel
APA Citation:
Stander, V. A., Woodall, K. A., Richardson, S. M., Thomsen, C. J., Milner, J. S., McCarroll, J. E., Riggs, D. S., & Cozza, S. J. (2021). The role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative affect in predicting substantiated intimate partner violence incidents among military personnel. Military Behavioral Health. 9(4), 442-462. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2021.1953644
Focus:
Mental health
Substance use
Physical health
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Marine Corps
Army
Air Force
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Stander, Valerie A.; Woodall, Kelly A.; Richardson, Sabrina M.; Thomsen, Cynthia J.; Milner, Joel S.; McCarroll, James E.; Riggs, David S.; Cozza, Stephen J.
2021
Increasing rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military populations during recent conflicts have sparked concerns regarding the incidence of other commonly associated problems, such as intimate partner violence (IPV). From a clinical perspective, it is important to understand patterns of PTSD symptomology that may indicate heightened risk for such aggression. To address this, among a longitudinal cohort of U.S. military personnel, we evaluated the association of PTSD symptom clusters and comorbid conditions as predictors of any subsequent Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program incidents of IPV meeting full definitional criteria for physical or psychological abuse. Results suggested that general symptoms of negative affect common in PTSD (e.g., anger/irritability, sleep disruption) and comorbid alcohol dependence were stronger predictors of IPV than trauma-specific PTSD symptomology (e.g., reexperiencing, hypervigilance). Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Delivering Take Root to military families with a child 0-to-3-years-old: Examining feasibility and proof-of-concept
APA Citation:
Chesnut, R. P., Rudy, T. L., Welsh, J. A., & Perkins, D. F. (2022). Delivering Take Root to military families with a child 0- to 3-years-old: Examining feasibility and proof-of-concept. Military Behavioral Health, 10(3), 156-171. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2021.1977203
Focus:
Children
Parents
Programming
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Chesnut, Ryan P.; Rudy, Terri L.; Welsh, Janet A.; Perkins, Daniel F.
2022
Parents influence their child’s positive development, and this is especially true during early childhood. In military families, the largest percentage of children are between 0 and 5 years old, and there is growing interest in developing and disseminating parent-focused interventions that target this age range for military parents. The present study examines the feasibility and proof-of-concept of the universal, web-based, Take Root parenting program, which was designed to empower military and civilian parents with a 0- to 3-year-old child in their parenting role and support positive child development. Seventy-nine participants were recruited from two Armed Services YMCA locations in fall 2019 and summer 2020. Results indicate that executing the research protocol and implementing the program among military families with young children were feasible. Further, significant pre- to post-changes in self-reports of parenting efficacy, mindful relaxation, and family functioning were found; however, when a Bonferroni-Holm correction was applied to account for multiple testing, only parenting efficacy remained significant. Collectively, the favorable results indicate the potential usefulness of Take Root for military families with young children and support the need for further, more rigorous evaluations of the program.
Army home visitors’ implementation of military family violence prevention programming in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
APA Citation:
Ferrara, A. M., Kaye, M. P., Abram-Erby, G., Gernon, S., & Perkins, D. F. (2022). Army home visitors’ implementation of military family violence prevention programming in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 11(1), 60-73. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000193
Focus:
Child maltreatment
Parents
Programming
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Ferrara, Amanda M.; Kaye, Miranda P.; Abram-Erby, Grejika; Gernon, Sean; Perkins, Daniel F.
2022
The Army New Parent Support Program (Army NPSP) provides home visitation services that promote positive parenting strategies and aims to prevent family violence for expectant military parents and military families with children from birth to age 3. Since the onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Army NPSP services have rapidly adapted to a telehealth model to fit with the suggested practices of physical distancing. Employing a grounded theory approach, nine virtual focus groups with 30 Army NPSP home visitors across eight installations were conducted to examine how this rapid shift has impacted their services, practice, and professional role. The present study identified two overarching themes: (1) working with families (e.g., continued engagement with families, increased communication, shifting family needs) and (2) adjusting to telework (e.g., technology, professional collaboration and communication, professional growth). Findings from these focus groups indicated that home visitors were actively engaged with their clients and experienced both challenges and benefits of telehealth. While the rapid transition was a big change, and home visitors missed the face-to-face interactions, they expressed that they were adapting and improving their virtual service delivery with time. Increased concerns regarding families’ well-being due to social and physical isolation, increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and grief for losses due to COVID-19, along with the ability to continue connections with these highly mobile families, points to the importance of telehealth as a means to implement parenting programs vital to military family well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
