There has been growing concern about the mental health impact of deployments on military personnel and their families. As soldiers return from active duty, they often experience difficulties adjusting to civilian life and may suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Relational interventions are one possible approach for improving post-deployment reintegration outcomes, but research is limited regarding their effectiveness. This article will examine whether relational interventions can help mitigate the negative effects of deployment on soldiers' mental health and relationship functioning.
Research background
Studies have demonstrated that soldiers returning home after deployment can struggle to maintain healthy relationships due to factors such as emotional numbness, trust issues, and difficulty communicating feelings. These challenges can lead to increased conflict within couples and even divorce. Research has also shown that PTSD can significantly affect intimacy and communication in marriages, which can further strain relationships.
Soldiers may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse or infidelity, leading to breakdowns in relationships.
Types of relational interventions
There are several types of relational interventions that could potentially benefit post-deployment veterans, including couple therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Couple therapy involves working with both members of a relationship to address underlying issues and improve communication skills, while family therapy focuses on helping all family members work together to support the soldier's reintegration process. Group therapy provides a safe space for individuals to share experiences and receive support from peers who have had similar deployments.
Evidence for the effectiveness of relational interventions
Several studies have examined the efficacy of relational interventions for improving post-deployment outcomes.
One study found that couple therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms among military spouses and improving their satisfaction with the marriage (Bradley & Zayfert, 2016). Another study showed that group therapy reduced symptoms of PTSD and improved relationship functioning among veterans with combat exposure (Cordova et al., 2015). Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these interventions and whether they are effective across different populations and treatment settings.
Challenges to implementation
Implementing relational interventions may be challenging due to logistical barriers such as limited resources and accessibility.
Some soldiers may resist seeking help or feel stigmatized by mental health treatment. Military culture can also present unique challenges, as soldiers may feel pressure to appear strong and independent and may hesitate to seek help for fear of being labeled "weak" or damaging their career prospects.
While more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of relational interventions for post-deployment reintegration, there is reason to believe that they hold promise as a promising approach for mitigating the negative impacts of deployment on relationships. By addressing underlying issues within families and supporting healthy communication skills, relational interventions may improve overall well-being and help veterans build stronger bonds with loved ones.
Implementation challenges must be addressed to ensure that all eligible individuals have access to these services.
Can relational interventions improve post-deployment reintegration outcomes?
Yes, research has shown that relational interventions can have positive effects on post-deployment reintegration outcomes for military personnel. Relational interventions are designed to help service members build strong relationships with their family, friends, colleagues, and community, which can support successful readjustment after deployment. Interventions may involve activities such as communication skills training, conflict resolution strategies, and social support networks.