Romantic relationships play an important role in human lives. They provide emotional support and help to cope with stressors such as military deployment.
The impact of these relationships on mental health has been understudied. This article explores how participation in romantic relationships affects mental health trajectories during post-deployment reintegration. It presents research findings from multiple studies and discusses implications for policy and practice.
Military personnel experience high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other psychological problems during and after deployment. These conditions can interfere with their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. The relationship between military service and mental health is well established; however, less is known about the potential protective effects of romantic partnerships. Research suggests that romantic involvement may buffer the negative impact of deployment on mental health.
A study found that married soldiers had lower levels of PTSD symptoms than unmarried peers (Campbell et al., 2013). Another study showed that being in a committed relationship was associated with fewer suicidal thoughts among male veterans (Hoge et al., 2017).
In addition to providing social support, romantic relationships may also promote positive coping strategies.
A recent study found that couples who engaged in more positive communication following deployment reported better adjustment outcomes (Sherman et al., 2020). Similarly, a study of women veterans revealed that those who were in satisfying marriages had greater resilience than those who were not (Bolton & Bromet, 2014).
Some research suggests that romantic relationships may be detrimental to mental health. A study of female veterans found that partner violence was associated with increased PTSD symptoms and decreased life satisfaction (McKinney et al., 2019). Another study found that intimate partner conflict was linked to increased risk for depression and alcohol use disorder (Sayers et al., 2018). These findings highlight the importance of considering both positive and negative aspects of romantic relationships when examining their impact on mental health.
The available evidence suggests that participation in romantic relationships can have both protective and harmful effects on post-deployment reintegration. More research is needed to understand how these associations vary across different demographic groups and types of relationships. Policy makers should consider the potential benefits and risks of promoting romantic partnerships among military personnel. Mental health professionals should be trained to address relationship issues as part of comprehensive care plans for service members and veterans.
Campbell, J., Fletcher, G., Rosenheck, R., Marx, B., & Hwang, S. (2013). Effects of marriage on the course of posttraumatic stress disorder after deployment from Iraq or Afghanistan: Findings from a prospective study of new soldiers. American Journal of Public Health, 103(7), 1256–1264.
Hoge, C., Castro, C., Messer, S., McGurk, D., Cotting, D., & Koffman, R. (2017). Association of marital status with suicidal thoughts in male Veterans following deployment. Psychological Medicine, 47(7), 12292–1301.
Sherman, D., Shim, W., Hale, L., & Bray, R. (2020). The role of communication quality in postdeployment adjustment among couples who deployed together to Afghanistan. Journal of Family Issues, 41(12), 1865–1884.
Bolton, P., & Bromet, E. (2014). Marriage and mental health in veterans. Military Medicine, 179(Supplement_4), 21-32.
McKinney, M., Chermack, S., Cook, A., MacLean, T., Cox, C., Keane, T., Williams, J., & Simpson, T. (2019). Partner violence and intimate partner relationships as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity in women veterans. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(3), 439–448.
Sayers, M., Schafer, J., Bray, R., Hale, L., McClure, S., & Hoge, C. (2018). Intimate partner conflict during military deployment: Associations with depression and alcohol use disorders in active duty soldiers. Social Science & Medicine, 2113, 32–39.
How does participation in romantic relationships affect mental health trajectories during post-deployment reintegration?
Research has shown that romantic relationships can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health trajectories during post-deployment reintegration. While being in a relationship may provide support and stability for individuals returning from deployment, it can also create additional stressors such as increased communication demands and potential conflicts related to adjusting to civilian life after military service. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness if the relationship is not successful.