Early father engagement is associated with numerous positive child outcomes including cognitive development, emotional regulation, and fewer problem behaviors. Various fathering programs attempt to encourage father engagement through teaching fathers about young children?s development and needs. This study examined 181 low-income fathers? child development knowledge (self-perceived and objective) as predictors of father engagement (verbal stimulation, caregiving, and physical play) with infants. Additionally, parenting self-efficacy (PSE) was examined as a mediator. Results revealed that fathers? self-perceived child development knowledge positively predicted engagement with infants (verbal stimulation and caregiving), but objective knowledge did not. PSE did not mediate the relationship between self-perceived knowledge and father engagement. These findings yield important implications for fathering research and interventions, suggesting that it may be particularly beneficial to increase fathers? confidence in their ability to understand and meet their child?s needs rather than exclusively focusing on improving fathers? knowledge of child development.
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Showing library results for: June 2023
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1 - 13 of 131 Child development knowledge and father engagement: The mediating role of parenting self-efficacy
Child development knowledge and father engagement: The mediating role of parenting self-efficacy
APA Citation:
Connor, L. A., & Stolz, H. E. (2022). Child development knowledge and father engagement: The mediating role of parenting self-efficacy. Journal of Family Issues, 43(3), 831–851. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X21994628
Focus:
Children
Parents
Other
Population:
Infancy (2 - 23 mo)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Connor, Lisa A.; Stolz, Heidi E.
2022
Translating discovery science: Delivering online, asynchronous financial education to service members at career and personal life transitions
APA Citation:
O’Neal, C. W., Lucier-Greer, M., Peterson, C., & McKay, B. (2023). Translating discovery science: Delivering online, asynchronous financial education to service members at career and personal life transitions. Family Relations. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12966
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
O'Neal, Catherine Walker; Lucier-Greer, Mallory; Peterson, Clairee; McKay, Brian
2023
Objective Grounded in the Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick model of evaluation, we examine multiple dimensions of military service members' reactions to six online, asynchronous financial family life education efforts. Background Using a “just-in-time” training model, financial literacy trainings that correspond to key family and career transitions were congressionally mandated for all service members. Program evaluation efforts are ongoing to assess training merit and inform training improvements. Method The six specific trainings evaluated occurred when service members were relocating, returning from deployment, receiving a promotion, getting married, getting divorced, and the birth of a first child. We explored various dimensions of training reactions, including training topics that were perceived as most beneficial at certain life stages or transitions; the perceptions of the trainings' quality, relevance, and impact; and finally, the likelihood of them sharing that information with their significant other. Data were collected between July 2021 and June 2023. Results Overall, service members perceived the trainings as high quality, relevant, and impactful, and most service members were likely to share the information with their spouse. Some differences were seen by demographic groups, such that trainees who were enlisted (compared to officers), identified as African American (compared to White), and had a high school diploma or associate's degree (compared to a more advanced degree) typically reported more favorable reactions. Conclusion and Implications Actionable strategies are provided to support service members and inform the development and evaluation of other family life education programs, particularly online, asynchronous training and financial-focused training.
Association between specific unmet functional needs and desire to institutionalize among caregivers of older veterans
APA Citation:
Brenner, R. J., Hansen, J., Brintz, B. J., Bouldin, E. D., Pugh, M. J., Rupper, R., Munoz, R., Garcia-Davis, S., & Dang, S. (2023). Association between specific unmet functional needs and desire to institutionalize among caregivers of older veterans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(7), 2264-2270. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18307
Focus:
Veterans
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Brenner, Rachel J.; Hansen, Jared; Brintz, Ben J.; Bouldin, Erin D.; Pugh, Mary Jo; Rupper, Randall; Munoz, Richard; Garcia-Davis, Sandra; Dang, Stuti
2023
Objectives To evaluate the associations between specific functional needs of older Veterans and the desire to institutionalize (DTI) among their caregivers. Methods Cross-sectional multivariable logistic regression analysis of 3579 Hero Care survey responses from caregivers of Veterans at five US sites from July to December 2021. Unmet needs were areas in which the caregiver reported the Veteran needed a little more or a lot more help. Caregiver DTI was defined as the caregiver reporting that they had discussed, considered, or taken steps toward a nursing home or assisted living placement for the Veteran or that they felt the Veteran would be better off in such a setting or they were likely to move the Veteran to another living arrangement. Results Caregivers were largely white, retired, females with an average age of 71 and with some college education who spent an average of 8–9 h per day 6 days a week caring for a Veteran spouse. There was evidence of associations between the following needs and a DTI: managing incontinence, using the telephone, transportation, and arranging services in the home such as visiting nurses, home care aides, or meals on wheels. Unmet functional needs in other selected domains were not associated with the DTI. Conclusion Among caregivers of older Veterans, a need for more assistance managing incontinence, telephone use, transportation, and arranging in-home services were associated with the DTI. These may represent functional markers of important clinical determinants for institutionalization as well as potential targets for intervention to reduce caregiver DTI, such as programs that provide more caregiver or Veteran support in the home to meet these needs and reduce caregiver burden.
Pilot test of intranasal oxytocin as an enhancer of brief couples therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
APA Citation:
Sippel, L. M., Khalifian, C. E., Knopp, K. C., Webster, K., Maglione, J Holcomb, J...Morland, L. A. (2023). Pilot test of intranasal oxytocin as an enhancer of brief couples therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 161, 165-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.001
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Couples
Trauma
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)
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Research & Summary
Sippel, Lauren M.; Khalifian, Chandra E.; Knopp, Kayla C.; Webster, Katelyn; Maglione, Jeanne; Holcomb, Julie; Flanagan, Julianne C.; Monson, Candice M.; Holtzheimer, Paul E.; Morland, Leslie A.
2023
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) negatively impacts military veterans and their intimate partners. Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) was developed to address both PTSD and relationship satisfaction among couples. Although efficacious in improving PTSD, the effects of CBCT and the 8-session brief CBCT (bCBCT) on relationship satisfaction among veteran patients with PTSD are modest. Pharmacological augmentation with the neuropeptide oxytocin is promising for enhancing bCBCT's potency due to its effects on mechanisms of trauma recovery (e.g., extinction learning) and relationship functioning (e.g., trust, communication). The goal of this pilot uncontrolled clinical trial was to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of bCBCT augmented with intranasal oxytocin for improving PTSD and relationship satisfaction among 10 U.S. veterans with PTSD and their intimate partners. Veterans self-administered 40 international units of intranasal oxytocin 30 min before each bCBCT session delivered to the couple via telehealth. Both partners completed pre-assessment, weekly, post, and 3-month follow-up assessments of PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction. Couples also provided qualitative feedback related to feasibility and engagement. Nine dyads completed the treatment. There were no serious adverse events. Veterans and partners reported moderate to large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction (Hedge's g = 0.55 and 1.01, respectively). Veterans reported large effect size reductions in PTSD severity (Hedge's g = 1.87). These results suggest that virtual oxytocin-assisted bCBCT is feasible, scalable, potentially efficacious, and should be tested with a placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial.
Military mothering, responsibility, and children’s outdoor risky play: “I do not want my children to be afraid to try things”
APA Citation:
Bauer, M. E. E., Giles, A. R., & Brussoni, M. (2023). Military mothering, responsibility, and children’s outdoor risky play: “I do not want my children to be afraid to try things.” Journal of Leisure Research, 54(3), 337-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2022.2119115
Focus:
Parents
Children
Branch of Service:
International Military
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Preschool age (2 -5 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Bauer, Michelle Emma Eileen; Giles, Audrey R.; Brussoni, Mariana
2023
Mothers more than fathers are discursively produced as responsible for children’s safety. Wives of members in combat arms occupations in the military may have feelings of responsibility for their children’s safety that are shaped through their involvement in military culture. In this research, we examined the feelings of responsibility mothers partnered with members in combat arms occupations have for their children’s safety during outdoor risky play. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 mothers and used poststructural feminist theory and feminist methodologies. Our findings indicate military mothers feel responsible for their children’s safety during outdoor risky play, but they resist societal pressures to restrict it. Some of the mothers believed there is an increased pressure on women more than men to provide care for their children, and some expressed that being part of a military culture shaped their feelings of responsibility.
Femininity anchors: Heterosexual relationships and pregnancy as sites of harassment for U.S. servicewomen
APA Citation:
Bonnes, S. (2022). Femininity anchors: Heterosexual relationships and pregnancy as sites of harassment for U.S. servicewomen. American Sociological Review, 87(4), 618-643. https://doi.org/10.1177/00031224221110535
Focus:
Couples
Physical health
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Reserve
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Bonnes, Stephanie
2022
This article draws on in-depth interviews with 50 U.S. servicewomen to advance sociological understandings of gender, femininity, and harassment. Recognizing that women are targeted with harassment throughout their military careers, I analyze specific episodes of harassment to examine organizational and interactional meanings and the power dynamics embedded in these instances. This article explains why servicemen escalate harassment toward women who are pregnant or who enter heterosexual relationships. In a militarized context that already denigrates femininity, I argue that men impose gendered and sexualized meanings on women’s life-course events to limit women’s organizational inclusion. These events, such as pregnancy and engagement or marriage to a heterosexual partner, serve as “femininity anchors” that tether women to femininity within a hyper-masculine environment. Femininity anchors present serious interactional and individual consequences for women as they attempt to navigate the gendered terrain of the U.S. military. Aside from eliciting moments of elevated sexual and nonsexual harassment, femininity anchors restrict women’s acceptance as real servicemembers and negatively affect their military careers. In highlighting the negative treatment women receive due to femininity anchors, I demonstrate how the specific ways gender is embedded in an organization shapes patterns of harassment and exclusion.
Effects of a web-based intervention in reducing drinking among concerned partners of military service members and veterans
APA Citation:
Osilla, K. C., Rodriguez, L. M., Neighbors, C., & Pedersen, E. R. (2022). Effects of a web-based intervention in reducing drinking among concerned partners of military service members and veterans. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 11(1), 4-14. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000201
Focus:
Couples
Substance use
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Osilla, Karen Chan; Rodriguez, Lindsey M.; Neighbors, Clayton; Pedersen, Eric R.
2022
Military personnel and their partners report greater alcohol use and related problems compared to their civilian counterparts. We designed a web-based intervention (WBI) called Partners Connect individualized for a military spouse or partner concerned about their service member/veteran’s (SMV) drinking and conducted a secondary data analysis to examine the effect of the WBI on participant drinking and their perceptions of their SMV partner’s drinking. Participants were concerned partners (CPs) recruited through social media and randomized to Partners Connect or waitlist control. They completed online surveys at baseline and 3 months postintervention. CPs who reported any past-month drinking were included in the current analyses, n = 161; 94.4% female, 77% White, 5% Hispanic, 32.0 (SD = 6.5) years old. There was no significant effect of the intervention on CP drinking. However, the intervention effect was moderated by CP drinks per week, such that heavier drinking intervention CPs reported significant reductions in their number of drinking days at follow-up. Heavy drinking CPs who reduced their drinking also reported perceived reductions in SMV drinking. Military spouses and partners participated in Partners Connect out of concern for their SMV partner’s drinking. In doing so, heavier drinking CPs reduced their own drinking frequency, which was also associated with perceptions of SMV drinking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
8 Minority adolescent mental health diagnosis differences in a national sample
Minority adolescent mental health diagnosis differences in a national sample
APA Citation:
Martin, R., Banaag, A., Riggs, D. S., & Koehlmoos, T. P. (2022). Minority adolescent mental health diagnosis differences in a national sample. Military Medicine, 187(7-8), e969-e977. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab326
Focus:
Mental health
Youth
Children
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Martin, Raquel; Banaag, Amanda; Riggs, David S.; Koehlmoos, Tracey P.
2022
Mental health disparities and differences have been identified amongst all age groups, including adolescents. However, there is a lack of research regarding adolescents within the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS is a universal health care system for military personnel and their dependents. Research has indicated that the MHS removes many of the barriers that contribute to health disparities. Additional investigations with this population would greatly contribute to our understanding of disparities and health services delivery without the barrier of access to care.This study analyzed the diagnostic trends of anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders and differences within a national sample of adolescents of active-duty military parents. The study utilized 2006 to 2014 data in the MHS Data Repository for adolescents ages 13–18. The study identified 183,409 adolescents with at least one diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the differences and risks for anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorders in the identified sample.When compared to White Americans, minority patients had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an impulse control disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43; confidence interval [CI] 1.39–1.48) and a decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with a depressive disorder (OR = 0.98; CI 0.95–1.00) or anxiety disorder (OR = 0.80; CI 0.78–0.83). Further analyses examining the subgroups of minorities revealed that, when compared to White Americans, African American adolescents have a much higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of an impulse control disorder (OR = 1.66; CI 1.61–1.72) and a lower likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of a depressive disorder (OR = 0.93; CI 0.90–0.96) and an anxiety disorder (OR = 0.75; CI 0.72–0.77).This study provides strong support for the existence of race-based differences in adolescent mental health diagnoses. Adolescents of military families are a special population with unique experiences and stressors and would benefit from future research focusing on qualitative investigations into additional factors mental health clinicians consider when making diagnoses, as well as further exploration into understanding how best to address this special population’s mental health needs.
9 Prevalence and socioeconomic determinates of food insecurity in veterans: Findings from NHANES
Prevalence and socioeconomic determinates of food insecurity in veterans: Findings from NHANES
APA Citation:
Robbins, R., Starr, K. N. P., Addison, O., Parker, E. A., Wherry, S. J., Ikpe, S., & Serra, M. C. (2023). Prevalence and socioeconomic determinates of food insecurity in veterans: Findings from NHANES. Public Health Nutrition, 26(7), 1478-1487. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023000538
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
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)
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Research & Summary
Robbins, Ronna; Starr, Kathryn N. Porter; Addison, Odessa; Parker, Elizabeth A.; Wherry, Sarah J.; Ikpe, Sunday; Serra, Monica C.
2023
Objective: Determine predictors of the association between being a Veteran and adult food security, as well as to examine the relation of potential covariates to this relationship. Design: Data collected during 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were pooled for analyses. Veterans (self-reported) were matched to non-Veterans on age, race/ethnicity, sex, and education. Adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the odds of Veterans having high food security vs. the combination of marginal, low, and very low food security compared to non-Veterans. Setting: 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016 NHANES Participants: 1,227 Veterans; 2,432 non-Veterans. Results: Veteran-status had no effect on the proportion of food insecurities between Veterans and non-Veterans reporting high (Veterans vs. non-Veteran: 79% vs. 80%), marginal (9% vs. 8%), low (5% vs 6%), and very low (8% vs. 6%) food security (p=0.11). However, after controlling for covariates, Veterans tended to be less likely to have high food security (OR: 0.82 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.02), p=0.07). Further, non-Hispanic White Veterans (OR: 0.72 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.95), p=0.02) and Veterans completing some college (OR: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.99), p<0.05), were significantly less likely to experience high food security compared to non-Veterans. Conclusion: This study supports previous research findings that after controlling for covariates, Veterans tend to be less likely to have high food security. It also highlights ethnicity and level of education as important socioeconomic determinates of food security status in Veterans.
Development of a brief support and education intervention for loved ones of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
APA Citation:
Campbell, S. B. & Caska Wallace, C. M. (2023). Development of a brief support and education intervention for loved ones of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 36(3), 557-566. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22914
Focus:
Veterans
Programming
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Campbell, Sarah B.; Caska Wallace, Catherine M.
2023
Clinical practice guidelines for managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) encourage incorporating loved ones into treatment, and supportive relationships can increase engagement in mental health care for veterans with PTSD. This study describes the iterative refinement, feasibility/acceptability testing, and national dissemination of a brief support and psychoeducation intervention for loved ones of veterans with PTSD. Loved ones (n = 181; range:1–11 per group) attended and qualitatively rated “PTSD 101 for Family and Friends: A Support and Education Workshop.” Open-ended questions were used to gather data on suggestions for improvement and descriptions of helpful content, and the workshop was refined following participant and operational partner feedback using a quality improvement framework. Rating quantitative items on a 1–5 scale, participants found the overall quality (M = 4.76) and relevance (M = 4.82) to be excellent, noting they learned substantial new information (M = 4.45). Sense of support (M = 4.95), intentions to use the material (M = 4.87), PTSD self-efficacy (M = 4.41), and understanding of PTSD (M = 4.76) were rated favorably. Common themes among helpful elements were a sense of shared experience and optimism and increased knowledge of treatments/resources. Suggestions for improvement referenced logistics. Following continual stakeholder feedback and refinement, the workshop represents a novel method for providing loved ones with empirically supported psychoeducation, coping skills, and community. It is being disseminated by the Family Services Section of the Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members
APA Citation:
Jaffe, A. E., Walton, T. O., Walker, D. D., & Kaysen, D. L. (2023). Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 36(3), 537-548. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22908
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Jaffe, Anna E.; Walton, Thomas O.; Walker, Denise D.; Kaysen, Debra L.
2023
Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are underutilized by active duty service members in the United States. Social support may help service members overcome avoidance and facilitate treatment utilization. In turn, treatment utilization may improve social support. To evaluate these possibilities, the aim of the current study was to examine potential reciprocal associations between social support and treatment utilization among service members. Secondary analyses were conducted on a randomized controlled trial of 161 U.S. military service members with PTSD. Participants completed assessments of perceived social support and attendance at individual therapy sessions at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. To determine reciprocal relations between social support and treatment utilization, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model with a two-part variable for treatment utilization (i.e., any therapy, and if so, dose). There were no between-person associations between average social support and treatment utilization. One prospective cross-lagged within-person association emerged as significant: social support at 3 months was negatively associated with any therapy use at 6 months; the model explained 26.1% of the variance in this observed variable. The findings revealed that low social support promoted subsequent treatment utilization, but such treatment did not lead to changes in social support. This suggests service members with PTSD may have been motivated to attend individual therapy in pursuit of social connection and support. Future research is needed to determine if reciprocal associations between various forms of social support and therapy utilization differ by treatment modality.
12 Military-to-civilian transition strains and risky behavior among post-9/11 veterans
Military-to-civilian transition strains and risky behavior among post-9/11 veterans
APA Citation:
Markowitz, F. E., Kintzle, S., & Castro, C. A. (2023). Military-to-civilian transition strains and risky behavior among post-9/11 veterans. Military Psychology, 35(1), 38-49. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2065177
Focus:
Substance use
Veterans
Mental health
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)
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Research & Summary
Markowitz, Fred E.; Kintzle, Sara; Castro, Carl A.
2023
Many military veterans face significant challenges in civilian reintegration that can lead to troublesome behavior. Drawing on military transition theory (MTT) and using data from a survey of post-9/11 veterans in two metropolitan areas (n = 783), we investigate previously unexamined relationships between post-discharge strains, resentment, depression, and risky behavior, taking into account a set of control variables, including combat exposure. Results indicated that unmet needs at time of discharge and perceived loss of military identity are associated with increased risky behavior. Much of the effects of unmet discharge needs and loss of military identity are mediated by depression and resentment toward civilians. The results of the study are consistent with insights from MTT, providing evidence of specific ways in which transitions can affect behavioral outcomes. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of helping veterans meet their post-discharge needs and adapt to changing identity, in order to reduce the risk of emotional and behavioral problems.
13 Limitations of benefit finding as a coping mechanism for combat-related PTSD symptoms
Limitations of benefit finding as a coping mechanism for combat-related PTSD symptoms
APA Citation:
Wood, M. D., Foran, H. M., & Britt, T. W. (2023). Limitations of benefit finding as a coping mechanism for combat-related PTSD symptoms. Military Psychology, 35(3), 233-244. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2112884
Focus:
Mental health
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Wood, Michael D.; Foran, Heather M.; Britt, Thomas W.
2023
Benefit finding has been identified as a buffer of the combat exposure-PTSD symptom link in soldiers. However, benefit finding may have a limited buffering capacity on the combat-PTSD symptom link over the course of a soldier’s post-deployment recovery period. In the present study, soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) were surveyed at two different time periods post-deployment: Time 1 was 4 months post-deployment (n = 1,510), and Time 2 was at 9 months post-deployment (n = 783). The surveys assessed benefit finding, PTSD symptoms, and combat exposure. Benefit finding was a successful buffer of the cross-sectional relationship between combat exposure and PTSD reexperiencing symptoms at Time 1, but not at Time 2. In addition, the benefit finding by combat interaction at time 1 revealed that greater benefit finding was associated with higher symptoms under high combat exposure at Time 2 after controlling for PTSD arousal symptoms at Time 1. The results of the present study indicate that benefit finding may have a buffering capacity in the immediate months following a combat deployment, but also indicates that more time than is allotted during the post-deployment adjustment period is needed to enable recovery from PTSD. Theoretical implications are discussed.
