Association between cumulative risk and protective factors with mental distress among female military spouses
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Sullivan, K. S., Park, Y., Cleland, C. M., Merrill, J. C., Clarke-Walper, K., & Riviere, L. A. (2021). Association between cumulative risk and protective factors with mental distress among female military spouses. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 91(6), 789–799. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000579
Abstract Created by REACH:
Using a sample of Army spouses (N = 332 women), this study examined how an accumulation of multiple protective and risk factors may play a role in mental distress (i.e., symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]). Cumulative protection encompassed positive individual (i.e., coping, resilience) and environmental (i.e., social support, religion/spirituality, living on post) factors. Cumulative risk considered sources of risk within the individual (i.e., low education, unemployment, childhood stress), the family (i.e., marital discord, work-family conflict), and the military (i.e., deployment, Service member mental health). Protective factors buffered the negative impact of risk on mental distress.
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Secondary Analysis
Authors:
Sullivan, Kathrine S., Park, Yangjin, Cleland, Charles M., Merrill, Julie C., Clarke-Walper, Kristina, Riviere, Lyndon A.
Abstract:
Objective: Guided by a resilience framework, this study examines the accumulation of risk and protective factors, as well as the potential buffering effects of protective factors on mental distress among female military spouses. Background: Most research with this population has focused on individual risk factors affecting military spouses. Less frequently have the effects of cumulative risk, risk factors not specifically associated with military service, or protective factors been examined, though there is evidence for their importance. Method: This study used secondary survey data from 334 female Army spouses collected in 2012 as part of the Land Combat Study 2. Cumulative risk and protective factor scores as well as scores within risk (intrapersonal, family, and military-specific) and protective (individual and environmental) factor domains were calculated. Four structural equation models were run to examine main and interaction effects on mental distress, a latent variable representing depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. Results: In cumulative risk and protective factor models, cumulative risk was directly, positively associated with mental distress. This relationship was moderated by cumulative protection. In domain-specific models, only family risk was directly associated with mental distress. This relationship was moderated by environmental protective factors. Conclusion: Findings indicate mental distress among military spouses is associated with exposure to cumulative risk and attenuated by the presence of certain domains of protective factors. Family risk factors including marital distress and work-family conflict may be particularly pernicious stressors, but informal and structural supports may be important targets for prevention and intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
American Psychological Association
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
distress, military families, prevention, protective factors, resilience, risk factors, spouses, test construction
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: