This study draws on the emotional cycle of deployment model (Pincus, House, Christenson, & Adler, 2001) to consider how the valence of communication between military personnel and at-home partners during deployment predicts their generalized anxiety upon reunion. Online survey data were collected from 555 military couples (N = 1,110 individuals) once per month for 8 consecutive months beginning at homecoming. Dyadic growth curve modeling results indicated that people’s anxiety declined across the transition. For at-home partners, constructive communication during deployment predicted a steeper decline in anxiety over time. For both returning service members and at-home partners, destructive communication during deployment predicted more anxiety upon reunion but a steeper decline in anxiety over time. Results were robust beyond the frequency of communication during deployment and a host of individual, relational, and military variables. These findings advance the emotional cycle of deployment model, highlight the importance of the valence of communication during deployment, and illuminate how the effects of communication during deployment can endure after military couples are reunited. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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1 - 20 of 261 Communication of military couples during deployment predicting generalized anxiety upon reunion
Communication of military couples during deployment predicting generalized anxiety upon reunion
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., & Yorgason, J. B. (2018). Communication of military couples during deployment predicting generalized anxiety upon reunion. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(1), 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000344
Focus:
Couples
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.
2018
Depressive symptoms, relational turbulence, and the reintegration difficulty of military couples following wartime deployment
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Ebata, A. T., McGlaughlin, P. C., & Ogolsky, B. (2013). Depressive symptoms, relational turbulence, and the reintegration difficulty of military couples Following wartime deployment. Health Communication, 28(8), 754-766. doi:10.1080/10410236.2013.800440
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.; Ogolsky, Brian
2013
During reunion following wartime deployment, military couples are at risk for both depression and relationship distress (Bowling & Sherman, 2008). This article applies the relational turbulence model (Knobloch & Theiss, 2011a; Solomon & Theiss, 2011) to understand the difficulty military couples may experience upon homecoming. One hundred and eighteen military couples completed an online questionnaire once per month for the first 3 months upon reunion following wartime deployment. Multilevel modeling results indicated that people's depressive symptoms (H1), relational uncertainty (H2), and interference from partners (H3) predicted their difficulty with reintegration. A few partner effects were apparent as well. These findings illuminate the dynamics of the reunion period, extend the relational turbulence model, and suggest guidelines for helping military couples preserve well-being during reintegration following wartime deployment.
Communication mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among Army Soldiers
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., & Basinger, E. D. (2020). Communication mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among Army Soldiers. Family Relations, 70(2), 422-436. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12447
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Basinger, Erin D.
2020
Objective We evaluated two fundamental communication processes, self-disclosure and destructive conflict management strategies, as mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among married U.S. soldiers. Background Identifying the communication behaviors underlying why people with depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship is a high priority for research, and pinpointing relevant mediators is especially important among military personnel who face particular job stressors and relationship challenges. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional self-report data from a representative sample of 4,196 married U.S. soldiers who participated in the all-Army component of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). Results Mediation was apparent such that people's depressive symptoms had indirect associations with their relationship satisfaction through both their self-disclosure and their reports of their partner's destructive conflict management strategies. In contrast, mediation was not evident for their reports of their own destructive conflict management strategies. Conclusion Less self-disclosure and more destructive conflict management strategies by a partner may be reasons why soldiers experiencing depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship. Implications Communication skills training for self-disclosure and conflict management may help break the link between depressive symptoms and relationship dissatisfaction.
Relational turbulence and perceptions of partner support during reintegration after military deployment
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Basinger, E D., & Theiss, J. A. (2018). Relational turbulence and perceptions of partner support during reintegration after military deployment. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 46(1), 52-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909882.2017.1409906
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
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)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Basinger, Erin D.; Theiss, Jennifer A.
2018
The transition from deployment to reintegration can be stressful for returning military personnel and at-home partners, and support plays a key role in their ability to transition effectively. We draw on relational turbulence theory to advance predictions about how parameters of the relationship between returning service members and at-home partners predict their perceptions of their partner’s support during the post-deployment transition. We surveyed 235 individuals (117 returning service members, 118 at-home partners) who had experienced the transition within the past 6 months. Findings consistent with the theory indicated that relational turbulence partially mediated the negative associations that relational uncertainty and interference from a partner shared with partner support. Partner uncertainty was a direct negative predictor of partner support as well. We consider how these results extend theory, research, and practice.
Experiences of military youth during a family member’s deployment: Changes, challenges, and opportunities
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Pusateri, K. B., Ebata, A. T., & McGlaughlin, P. C. (2015). Experiences of military youth during a family member’s deployment: Changes, challenges, and opportunities. Youth & Society, 47(3), 319–342. doi:10.1177/0044118X12462040
Focus:
Children
Deployment
Youth
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Pusateri, Kimberly B.; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
2015
The deployment of a family member can be very distressing for military children, but it also can supply opportunities for growth. This study addresses calls for research on the changes, challenges, and opportunities facing youth during a family member’s tour of duty. It uses the relational turbulence model to frame research questions about how children experience a family member’s deployment. Participants were 33 military youth ranging from 10 to 13 years of age who completed one-on-one, semistructured interviews. They reported several changes to family life (Research Question 1), challenges of deployment (Research Question 2), and opportunities of deployment (Research Question 3). The results contribute to the literature by advancing theory, by providing insight into children’s experiences in their own words, and by suggesting practical guidelines for helping youth navigate a family member’s deployment.
Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Yorgason, J. B., Wehrman, E. C., & Monk, J. K. (2022). Trajectories of relational turbulence and affectionate communication across the post-deployment transition. Communication Monographs, 89(2), 189-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2021.1963792
Focus:
Couples
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.; Wehrman, Erin C.; Kale Monk, J.
2022
Affectionate communication may play a key role in how military couples navigate the transition from deployment to reintegration. Informed by relational turbulence theory, this study considered how the trajectory of relational turbulence experienced by military couples over time predicted their verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. Online self-report data were gathered from 268 U.S. military couples across eight months beginning at homecoming. Relational turbulence increased over time and affectionate communication decreased over time. Also as predicted, the trajectory of increasing relational turbulence corresponded with greater declines in verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. These results advance relational turbulence theory, illuminate the trajectory of affectionate communication over time, and inform ways to assist military couples upon reunion after deployment.
Generalized anxiety and relational uncertainty as predictors of topic avoidance during reintegration following military deployment
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Ebata, A. T., McGlaughlin, P. C., & Theiss, J. A. (2013). Generalized anxiety and relational uncertainty as predictors of topic avoidance during reintegration following military deployment. Communication Monographs, 80(4), 452-477. doi:10.1080/03637751.2013.828159
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.; Theiss, Jennifer A.
2013
For military couples reunited following deployment, discussing or avoiding topics is a central dimension of communication. This paper theorizes about two predictors of topic avoidance that arise from a lack of confidence in social situations: generalized anxiety and relational uncertainty. In Study 1, 220 returning service members described issues they avoid discussing upon reunion. Content analytic findings indicated eight avoided topics. In Study 2, 118 military couples reported on topic avoidance for the first 3 months after homecoming. Multilevel modeling results revealed that the generalized anxiety and relational uncertainty of actors, but not partners, were consistent predictors of topic avoidance. The findings illuminate the complexities of communicating following a tour of duty.
8 Communicative experiences of military youth during a parent’s return home from deployment
Communicative experiences of military youth during a parent’s return home from deployment
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Pusateri, K. B., Ebata, A. T., & McGlaughlin, P. C. (2014). Communicative experiences of military youth during a parent’s return home from deployment. Journal of Family Communication, 14(4), 291-309. doi:10.1080/15267431.2014.945701
Focus:
Children
Deployment
Other
Parents
Youth
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Pusateri, Kimberly B.; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
2014
The return home of a service member from tour of duty can be stressful for military families (Bowling & Sherman, 2008), but surprisingly little is known about how military youth communicatively experience a parent’s homecoming (MacDermid Wadsworth, 2010). This study draws on the emotional cycle of deployment model (Pincus, House, Christenson, & Adler, 2001) to examine the reunion period in military youth’s own words. Individual interviews were conducted with 31 military youth (age range = 10 to 13 years old). Participants identified four changes to family life (RQ1), including spending time together, experiencing emotional tranquility, returning to patterns in place before deployment, and having difficulty reintegrating the service member into everyday routines. Some military youth reported that the reunion matched their expectations (RQ2), but others noted that the reunion fell short of their expectations or that they did not expect the returning service member to be so tired or so irritable. Participants also described four issues of uncertainty (RQ3), including questions about the service member’s activities during deployment, reasons for joining and deploying, family life, and the possibility of future deployments. The article concludes by examining the theoretical and pragmatic implications of the findings.
9 Relational turbulence among military couples after reunion following deployment
Relational turbulence among military couples after reunion following deployment
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., McAninch, K. G., Abendschein, B., Ebata, A. T., & Mcglaughlin, P. C. (2016). Relational turbulence among military couples after reunion following deployment. Personal Relationship, 23(4), 742-748. http://doi/10.1111/pere.12148
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Guard
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; McAninch, Kelly G.; Abendschein, Bryan; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
2016
Reintegration following deployment is a pivotal time for returning service members and at-home partners. We test logic derived from the relational turbulence model about depressive symptoms, relational uncertainty, and interference from a partner as predictors of people's appraisals of turmoil during the post-deployment transition. Participants were 118 military couples who completed an online questionnaire once per month for the first 3 months after homecoming. Multilevel models predicting people's appraisals of turmoil revealed (a) actor and partner effects of depressive symptoms, (b) actor effects of relational uncertainty, and (c) actor effects of interference from a partner that were apparent beyond people's appraisals of turmoil during the previous month. These findings advance both theory and practice.
Suspicion about a partner’s deception and trust as roots of relational uncertainty during the post-deployment transition
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Yorgason, J. B., Basinger, E. D., Abendschein, B., & McAninch, K. G. (2020). Suspicion about a partner’s deception and trust as roots of relational uncertainty during the post-deployment transition. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(3), 912-934. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520970645
Focus:
Deployment
Other
Branch of Service:
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)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.; Basinger, Erin D.; Abendschein, Bryan; McAninch, Kelly G.
2020
Relational uncertainty is both prominent and pivotal during the transition from deployment to reintegration. Most prior research has considered the outcomes rather than the origins of relational uncertainty, hampering the development of interventions for military couples. We theorize about two predictors of relational uncertainty during the post-deployment transition: suspicion about a partner’s deception and trust. Results of an 8-wave longitudinal study involving 287 U.S. military couples (N = 4,147 observations) revealed that relational uncertainty increased over the transition for both returning service members and at-home partners. Suspicion about a partner’s deception, and particularly trust, predicted the relational uncertainty of military couples at homecoming and over time. These findings advance knowledge about the roots of relational uncertainty and suggest ways to assist military couples upon reunion.
Relational turbulence and the post-deployment transition: Self, partner, and relationship focused turbulence
APA Citation:
Theiss, J. A., & Knobloch, L. K. (2014). Relational turbulence and the post-deployment transition: Self, partner, and relationship focused turbulence. Communication Research, 41(1), 27–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650211429285
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
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
Theiss, Jennifer A.; Knobloch, Leanne K.
2014
This study applied the relational turbulence model to the communication of U.S. service members and at-home partners following the return from a tour of duty by evaluating three turbulence markers: (a) relational maintenance, (b) partner responsiveness, and(c) turmoil appraisals. Participants were 235 individuals (128 service members, 107at-home partners) who completed an online questionnaire within 6 months following reunion. Relational uncertainty and interference from partners predicted turbulence markers, and they partially mediated the association between relationship satisfaction and turbulence markers. Results suggest that the relational turbulence model is useful for illuminating the experiences of military couples during the post-deployment transition. Findings also point to turbulence markers that may be salient during a variety of relationship transitions.
Experiences of U.S. military couples during the post-deployment transition: Applying the relational turbulence model
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., & Theiss, J. A. (2012). Experiences of U.S. military couples during the post-deployment transition: Applying the relational turbulence model. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29(4), 423–450. doi:10.1177/0265407511431186
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Theiss, Jennifer A.
2012
Although many military couples eagerly await reunion after deployment, the reentry of service members into family life can be challenging. This study employed the relational turbulence model to identify the issues facing military couples during the post-deployment transition. Individuals who had been reunited with their romantic partner during the past six months (N = 259; 137 service members, 122 partners) completed an online questionnaire. Content analytic results indicated that people encounter diverse changes to their relationship (RQ1), issues of relational uncertainty (RQ2), and interference in their daily routines (RQ3). Women, at-home partners, and reservist couples appear especially likely to encounter upheaval (RQ4). The relational turbulence model may have utility for illuminating the experiences of military couples upon reintegration.
13 Relationship changes of military couples during reintegration: A longitudinal analysis
Relationship changes of military couples during reintegration: A longitudinal analysis
APA Citation:
Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Knobloch, L. K., Scott, S., & Fiore, H. (2020). Relationship changes of military couples during reintegration: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 37(7), 2145-2165. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520917461
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
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
Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Knobloch, Leanne K.; Scott, Samantha; Fiore, Hannah
2020
This study drew on the emotional cycle of deployment model to track the content, valence, and sequence of relationship changes experienced by returning service members and at-home partners during the transition from deployment to reintegration. In a longitudinal study, 555 military couples (1,100 individuals) wrote 7,387 comments describing changes that had occurred in their relationship during the past month. A content analysis identified 10 substantive categories: emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy, spending time together, appraisals of the relationship, life changes, readjustment to daily life, conflict, family changes, commitment, and reports of no change. The frequency of changes reported in emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy, readjustment to daily life, and conflict declined across the transition. In contrast, reports of life changes, and comments stating that no change had occurred, increased over time. Independent coders judged each change as positive (42.1%), negative (32.4%), or neutral (25.5%) in valence. Participants described fewer positive changes as the transition progressed, although this tendency slowed over time. In contrast, the frequency of negative changes remained stable across the transition, and the frequency of neutral changes increased. The findings are used to advance theory, research, policy, and intervention designed to help military couples negotiate relationship changes across the post-deployment transition.
Military children's difficulty with reintegration after deployment: A relational turbulence model perspective
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Yorgason, J. B., Ebata, A. T., & McGlaughlin, P. C (2017). Military children’s difficulty with reintegration after deployment: A relational turbulence model perspective. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(5), 542-552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/fam0000299
Focus:
Children
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Parents
Youth
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Neonatal (birth - 1 mo)
Infancy (2 - 23 mo)
Preschool age (2 -5 yrs)
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)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.; Ebata, Aaron T.; McGlaughlin, Patricia C.
2017
This study drew on the relational turbulence model to investigate how the interpersonal dynamics of military couples predict parents' reports of the reintegration difficulty of military children upon homecoming after deployment. Longitudinal data were collected from 118 military couples once per month for 3 consecutive months after reunion. Military couples reported on their depressive symptoms, characteristics of their romantic relationship, and the reintegration difficulty of their oldest child. Results of dyadic growth curve models indicated that the mean levels of parents' depressive symptoms (H1), relationship uncertainty (H2), and interference from a partner (H3) were positively associated with parents' reports of military children's reintegration difficulty. These findings suggest that the relational turbulence model has utility for illuminating the reintegration difficulty of military children during the postdeployment transition. (PsycINFO Database Record; (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).
A relational turbulence model of military service members' relational communication during reintegration
APA Citation:
Theiss, J. A., & Knobloch, L. K. (2013). A relational turbulence model of military service members' relational communication during reintegration. Journal of Communication, 63(6), 1109–1129. doi:10.1111/jcom.12059
Focus:
Couples
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
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
Theiss, Jennifer A.; Knobloch, Leanne K.
2013
This study employed the relational turbulence model to examine features of relational communication and dimensions of relational inferences during the postdeployment transition for military service members. We surveyed 220 military personnel who had recently returned home from deployment about their romantic relationship. Results of a structural equation model indicated that relational uncertainty and interference from partners predicted openness and aggressiveness, which in turn predicted appraisals of affiliation and dominance in the relationship. The results imply that the transition from deployment to reunion corresponds with upheaval in how service members communicate with a romantic partner and make judgments about their relationship.
Mental health symptoms and the reintegration difficulty of military couples following deployment: A longitudinal application of the relational turbulence model
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., & Yorgason, J. B. (2019). Mental health symptoms and the reintegration difficulty of military couples following deployment: A longitudinal application of the relational turbulence model. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(4), 742-765. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22734
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch‐Fedders, Lynne M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.
2019
Objective: Understanding the factors that predict the reintegration difficulty of military couples during the postdeployment transition has important implications for theory, research, and practice. Building on the logic of the relational turbulence model, this paper evaluates the relationship processes of reunion uncertainty and reintegration interference from a partner as mediators of the connection between people's mental health symptoms and their difficulty with reintegration after deployment. Method: Dyadic longitudinal data were collected from 555 US military couples once per month for 8 consecutive months. Results: Findings mapped the trajectory of reintegration difficulty and suggested reunion uncertainty and reintegration interference from a partner as mediators of the link between people's depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms and the magnitude of their reintegration difficulty. Conclusion: These results highlight relationship processes as a key domain of intervention to preserve the well-being of military couples during the postdeployment transition.
17 Traumatic brain injury and relationship distress during military deployment and reunion
Traumatic brain injury and relationship distress during military deployment and reunion
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., & Abendschein, B. (2024). Traumatic brain injury and relationship distress during military deployment and reunion. Family Relations, 73(1), 424-440. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12849
Focus:
Trauma
Deployment
Mental health
Couples
Physical 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)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Abendschein, Bryan
2024
Objective This study seeks to advance the literature by disentangling the effects of deployment-acquired traumatic brain injury (TBI) from comorbid postconcussive symptoms and PTSD symptoms on relationship distress. Background Because TBI poses challenges to military marriages, understanding the predictors of relationship distress after TBI is important for helping service members cope with the effects of the injury. Method Survey data from the U.S. Army STARRS Pre–Post Deployment Study, collected from 2,585 married service members before and after a combat deployment to Afghanistan, evaluated predictors of relationship distress 9 months after homecoming. Results Deployment-acquired TBI corresponded with more relationship distress controlling for predeployment brain health, but its predictive power was eclipsed by concurrent postconcussive symptoms and concurrent PTSD symptoms. Concurrent PTSD symptoms accounted for twice as much variance in relationship distress than concurrent postconcussive symptoms. Conclusion Targeting and treating comorbid conditions may be essential for supporting military marriages after TBI. Implications: Military command, policymakers, and medical professionals may find value in broadening support services for TBI to include resources addressing postconcussive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and relationship distress.
18 A prospective study of marital distress and mental health symptoms across the deployment cycle
A prospective study of marital distress and mental health symptoms across the deployment cycle
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., & Whisman, M. A. (2023). A prospective study of marital distress and mental health symptoms across the deployment cycle. Journal of Family Psychology, 37(4), 507-516. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001079
Focus:
Deployment
Couples
Mental health
Trauma
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)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Whisman, Mark A.
2023
Although recent findings imply that marital distress and mental health symptoms are intertwined among military personnel, a prospective longitudinal study is needed to evaluate the bidirectionality of the link between marital distress and mental health symptoms across the deployment cycle. We investigated over time associations using data from the Pre–Post Deployment Study component of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). Married soldiers (N = 2,585) reported on their marital distress, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 1 month before deploying to Afghanistan and 3 months and 9 months after they returned home. The data were analyzed using cross-lagged panel models, adjusting for a variety of demographic and military covariates (including deployment stress, measured 1 month after homecoming). Results indicated (a) no associations between marital distress and mental health symptoms during the 13-month lag from predeployment to postdeployment, (b) bidirectional associations between marital distress and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the 6-month lag from 3 to 9 months after homecoming, and (c) a unidirectional association from PTSD symptoms to marital distress during the 6-month lag from 3 to 9 months after homecoming. These findings shed light on a lingering debate about the directionality of the longitudinal association between marital distress and psychopathology. They also imply points of intervention to help buffer military personnel from the harmful effects of marital distress and mental health symptoms across the deployment cycle. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
19 Relationship maintenance among military couples
Relationship maintenance among military couples
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Monk, J. K., & MacDermid Wadsworth, S. M. (2023). Relationship maintenance among military couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 40(3), 734-772. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221105025
Focus:
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
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
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Monk, J. Kale; MacDermid Wadsworth, Shelley M.
2023
A burgeoning body of research on the relationship maintenance of military couples over the past two decades suggests the time is right to organize, assimilate, and critique the literature. We conducted a systematic review informed by the integrative model of relationship maintenance that considered issues of intersectionality. Our literature search identified 81 relevant journal articles representing 62 unique samples. With respect to theory, 59.3% of the journal articles employed one or more formal theoretical frameworks. In terms of research design, 88.7% of the studies focused on the U.S. military, 83.9% of the studies recruited convenience samples, 54.8% of the studies utilized quantitative methods, and 30.6% of the studies collected longitudinal data. Among the studies reporting sample demographics, 96.8% of participants were married, 77.2% of participants identified as non-Hispanic White, and only one same-sex relationship was represented. Our narrative synthesis integrated findings about relationship maintenance from studies examining (a) relationship maintenance overtly, (b) communicating to stay connected across the deployment cycle, (c) disclosure and protective buffering, (d) support from a partner, (e) dyadic coping, and (f) caregiving and accommodating a partner’s symptoms. We interpret our results with an eye toward advancing theory, research, and practice.
20 Partner effects: Analyzing service member and spouse drinking over time
Partner effects: Analyzing service member and spouse drinking over time
APA Citation:
Joneydi, R., Sparks, A. C., Kolenikov, S., Jacobson, I. G., Knobloch, L. K., Williams, C. S., Pflieger, J. C., Corry, N. H., & Stander, V. A. (2023). Partner effects: Analyzing service member and spouse drinking over time. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 65(4), 627-639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2023.04.002
Focus:
Couples
Substance use
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
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)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Joneydi, Rayan; Sparks, Alicia C.; Kolenikov, Stas; Jacobson, Isabel G.; Knobloch, Leanne K.; Williams, Christianna S.; Pflieger, Jacqueline C.; Corry, Nida H.; Stander, Valerie A.
2023
Excessive alcohol use is a significant problem in the military. While there is a growing emphasis on family-centered alcohol prevention approaches, little is known about the interplay between partners’ drinking behaviors. This study examines how service members and their spouses influence each other's drinking behavior over time, and explores the complex individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors that may contribute to alcohol use. Methods A sample of 3,200 couples from the Millennium Cohort Family Study was surveyed at baseline (2011–2013) and follow-up (2014–2016). The research team estimated how much partners’ drinking behaviors influenced one another from baseline to follow-up using a longitudinal structural equation modeling approach. Data analyses were conducted in 2021 and 2022. Results Drinking patterns converged between spouses from baseline to follow-up. Participants’ own baseline drinking had a small but significant effect on changes in their partners’ drinking from baseline to follow-up. Results from a Monte Carlo simulation showed that the longitudinal model could reliably estimate this partner effect in the presence of several potential sources of bias, including partner selection. The model also identified several common risk and protective factors for drinking shared by both service members and their spouses. Conclusions Findings suggest that changing the drinking habits of one spouse could lead to change in the drinking habits of the other, which supports family-centered alcohol prevention approaches in the military. Dual-military couples especially may benefit from targeted interventions, as they face higher risk of unhealthy alcohol consumption.
