Communication and the Coping Paradox: The Case of Army Spouses and Wartime Deployment

Abstract

This study explores the concept of the coping paradox within the context of military families and wartime deployment. A coping paradox occurs when the sending or receiving of a message meant to cope with stress leads to outcomes that are contrary to expectations. Based on interviews with 40 military wives whose husbands deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, we identified six paradoxical pairings of particular stressors and coping strategies. By understanding that these paradoxes are context and time dependent, family members may recognize the paradox is not indicative of a problem with the relationship; instead, it is an outcome of the situation and, thus, may not reoccur when the family is out of the stressful situation.

Notes

Due to page limitations, only the strategies and stressors relevant to the analysis are discussed. Stressors excluded from discussion include healthy and safety concerns, uncertainty, his busyness, changes, unfulfilled expectations, and third-party threats. Strategies excluded from discussion include seeking diversions, adjusting cognitions, having faith, managing the media, organizing, and solving problems jointly.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katheryn C. Maguire

Katheryn C. Maguire, Department of Communication, Wayne State University.

Erin Sahlstein Parcell

Erin Sahlstein Parcell, Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.