Veterans returning from war often face many challenges related to their mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The symptoms associated with these conditions can interfere with their ability to form and maintain healthy romantic relationships, which may have a negative impact on both their personal and professional lives. Research has found that partners play an essential role in supporting veterans through reintegration after deployment, but little is known about how this support works. The present study aimed to examine the psychological mechanisms underlying the stabilizing effect of partner support for veterans while also managing their own emotional needs.
The study recruited 20 couples consisting of male veterans (Mage 34 years) and female partners who had been together for at least one year since the veteran's last deployment. Each couple completed measures assessing PTSD symptom severity, relationship satisfaction, and intimacy during the predeployment and postdeployment periods.
Each participant completed surveys measuring attachment style, self-esteem, and perceived social support. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive partner support or no support for four weeks before completing postdeployment measures.
Results revealed that veterans who received partner support reported significantly less severe PTSD symptoms compared to those who did not receive support. Veterans who received partner support also reported greater relationship satisfaction and intimacy than those without partner support.
Higher levels of attachment security and self-esteem predicted more positive outcomes among veterans receiving partner support. These findings suggest that partner support may be especially beneficial for individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety and low self-esteem, as these factors can make it difficult to feel safe and secure within relationships.
Partner support appears to provide a unique stabilizing force for veterans returning from war by helping them manage their emotional needs while also supporting their partner's emotional well-being. This study provides valuable insights into how partners can support veterans during this critical period of reintegration and offers new ways to improve psychological interventions for military personnel and their families.
What psychological mechanisms allow intimate partners to serve as a stabilizing force for veterans while also managing their own emotional needs?
The intimate partner of a veteran can help provide support by being available and empathetic when they are needed most. The veteran may need someone who is willing to listen to them and offer comfort, understanding, and encouragement during difficult times. Being available to attend appointments or meetings with the VA can be helpful for the veteran's mental health, especially if they have difficulty attending alone.