title: Distress, support, and relationship satisfaction during military-induced separations: a longitudinal study among spouses of Dutch deployed military personnel.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine (a) how life stress, work-family conflict, social support, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction develop over the course of military-induced separations; (b) what best predicts relationship satisfaction after being separated for several months; and (c) whether the effects were mediated by spousal interaction. Longitudinal data were collected among 153 spouses of Dutch military personnel before, during, and after military-induced separations. Analyses demonstrated a significant decrease in relationship satisfaction, psychological distress, and social support over time. Controlling for predeployment levels of relationship satisfaction, work-family conflict, social support, psychological distress, and spousal interaction made significant contributions to the explanation of relationship satisfaction after military-induced separations. However, the effects on relationships varied for each stage of the work-related spousal separation. Hence, clinical implications for psychological service delivery suggested by these findings are impacted by the stage of the work-related spousal separation. Specifically, before the separation, services might focus upon balancing work and family demands; during the separation, services that facilitate building networks are important; and finally, communication remains the key service focus upon reunion.
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Defense Academy.
authors.forename: Manon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andres
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors