Is unit cohesion a double-edged sword? A moderated mediation model of combat exposure, work stressors, and marital satisfaction

Frye-Cox, N., Lucier-Greer, M., O’Neal, C. W., & Richardson, E. W. (2024). Is unit cohesion a double-edged sword? A moderated mediation model of combat exposure, work stressors, and marital satisfaction. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 41(10), 2824-2843. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075241255391

The stress process perspective posits that stress can accumulate over time, spill into other areas of life, and be minimized when meaningful support is available. This study examined whether Soldiers’ previous combat exposure – a salient stressor – was linked to current work stress, and, in turn, to marital satisfaction; and whether stress manifested differently for Soldiers with the possible relational support of high unit cohesion. Cross-sectional data were drawn from the All-Army Study of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). 1,122 married Soldiers self-reported the intensity of combat exposure from their most recent deployment, as well as current work performance stress (i.e., performance issues, personal misconduct), marital satisfaction, and unit cohesion. As expected, high unit cohesion played a buffering role, but only in the association between combat exposure and work performance stress.

DOI