https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-KnoblochBasinger20

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

Research suggests that a negative association exists between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction for both Service members and their partners. However, there is little research on how couple communication behaviors might explain this association. This study used self-report data from married Soldiers (N = 4,196) to examine links among Soldiers’ depressive symptoms, couple communication behaviors, and relationship satisfaction. The communication behaviors assessed included self-disclosure behaviors of the Soldier (i.e., confiding in another person) and destructive conflict management strategies of the Soldier and his/her partner (i.e., antagonistic behaviors such as yelling, accusing, or lashing out to resolve a disagreement). The findings suggest that communication may play a key role in understanding how depressive symptoms contribute to undermining relationship satisfaction among married Soldiers.

https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12447

Couples
Mental health

Army

Active Duty
Guard
Reserve

Active duty service member
Guard/Reserve member

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)

Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Secondary Analysis

Knobloch, Leanne K., Basinger, Erin D.

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.

John Wiley & Sons

Article
REACH Publication

University of Illinois, LKK
University of Illinois, EDB