title: Strong army couples: a case study of rekindling marriage after combat deployment.
abstract: Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), occurring in 15% of combat-exposed military personnel, are associated with a decrease in couples' relationship quality. The purpose of this analysis was to describe reintegration in Army couples with high couple functioning, despite PTSS in one or both partners. Reintegration refers to readjustment after deployment; returning to previous role(s). In a mixed-methods case study of Army couples with a history of combat deployment, we used existing quantitative data to define sampling boundaries, select cases, and guide interviews. Couples scoring high on couple functioning, resilience, and couple satisfaction were interviewed (N = 5 couples, 10 participants). "Rekindling marriage" required strategies to overcome challenges during couple reintegration. For participants as individuals, those strategies were allowing negative emotions, giving each other time and space to do the work of rediscovery and accepting a changed reality, and recognizing and addressing individual needs of the other. As couples, strategies were to go with the flow, open your heart, become best friends, maintain trust, and communicate effectively. As families, strategies were to normalize schedules and protect family time. Findings offer a preliminary basis for interventions to promote strong relationships for military couples with PTSS.
authors.affiliation: Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Nurse Corps, Nurse Scientist, Madigan Army Medical Center, Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry, 9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma, WA, 98431.
authors.forename: Kristal C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Melvin
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wenzel
authors.forename: Bonnie Mowinski
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Jennings
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014857:Warfare
keywords: adaptation; coping; couples; military; mixed methods; post-traumatic stress; resilience; veteran