Mental health, alcohol use, and associations with pre-deployment family functioning in active-duty service members
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Jia-Richards, M., Morissette, S. B., Ellor, J. W., Myers, D. R., Crow, J., Whitacre, J., & Dolan, S. L. (2023). Mental health, alcohol use, and associations with pre-deployment family functioning in active-duty service members. Military Behavioral Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2023.2246899
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study examined the links between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, alcohol use, and family functioning during pre-deployment. Survey data from 343 Soldiers within 6 months of deploying were analyzed. The study also examined whether the links between mental health symptoms, alcohol use, and family functioning issues differed between men and women. Overall, when accounting for demographic characteristics, other mental health symptoms, and alcohol use, greater PTSS and depression symptoms were linked to poorer family functioning.
Focus:
Substance use
Mental health
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Jia-Richards, M., Morissette, S. B., Ellor, J. W., Myers, D. R., Crow, J., Whitacre, J., Dolan, S. L.
Abstract:
As service members prepare to deploy, poor mental health and increased alcohol use associated with the difficulties of the pre-deployment period may negatively impact service members’ family functioning. The etiology of poor family functioning may also differ for men and women serving in the military. The current study recruited U.S. military service members (N = 343, 28% women, 59% White) preparing to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan to examine the effects of symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and alcohol use (frequency and quantity) on family functioning. We also sought to identify whether those effects differed between genders. Across participants, PTS was the only factor significantly associated with worse family functioning (β = .01, SE = .00, t(251.99) = 2.03, p = .043), however the effect of depression was similar in magnitude and trending toward significance (β = .01, SE = .00, t(297.49) = 1.96, p = .051). Interactions between gender, mental health, and alcohol use were non-significant. Findings suggest that addressing service members’ PTS and depression symptoms pre-deployment could improve family functioning. Gender may not be a major factor for pre-deployment mental health and family functioning, although more research is warranted. Contrary to expectations, alcohol use was unrelated to family functioning. Future studies should consider using measures of drinking that capture alcohol-related problems in addition to consumption. As service members prepare to deploy, it is important to understand which factors are most impactful on family functioning as this may help target preventative interventions during the pre-deployment stage.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
alcohol use, anxiety, depression, family functioning, gender differences, mental health, Military, posttraumatic stress, pre-deployment, stress
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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