Partner Support During Deployment
The experience of separation due to military deployment can be stressful for both the deployed service member and their family members back home. One way that families can cope with this challenge is through receiving emotional and practical support from their partners while they are away. This type of support, which may include communication, visits, and help with daily tasks, can have a significant impact on how well a family manages the challenges of deployment.
Supporting Partners
During deployment, spouses and other loved ones often provide a range of support services to ease the burden on their partner.
They may communicate regularly via phone calls, text messages, emails, video chats, letters, or social media posts. They may also visit their partner during leave periods or attend special events such as birthdays or holidays.
Partners may offer practical assistance with household chores, child care, finances, and logistics related to relocating. All of these efforts contribute to the psychological and physical well-being of the deployed service member.
Influence of Partner Support
Studies have found that partner support during active duty deployment has positive effects on coping strategies. When partners show empathy, understanding, and encouragement, it helps deployees feel less isolated, lonely, anxious, depressed, and stressed. These feelings can lead to emotional and mental health problems if left unchecked, but the right level of partner support can make a big difference in mitigating them. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology reported that partner support was associated with lower levels of PTSD symptoms among soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Other research suggests that partner support may reduce the likelihood of substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and suicide attempts.
It is clear that partner support during military deployment plays an important role in helping families cope with the separation. The level of support provided by partners can influence how effectively members manage stressors related to deployment and return home safely. As a result, family members should strive to provide the best possible support for their loved ones who are serving our country abroad.
How does partner support influence coping during active deployment?
The level of partner support provided by spouses during the active deployment period can have significant impact on an individual's ability to cope with stressors. During deployment, military personnel are faced with numerous challenges such as separation from family, disruption in routine, and exposure to traumatic events that can take a toll on their mental health and wellbeing (Bradley et al. , 2016).