Family Relationships, Mental Health, and Injury Among OEF/OIF Veterans Postdeployment

Abstract

As the number of military service personnel who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) approaches 3 million, concern mounts about potential negative effects of long and multiple combat-related deployments on military families. This study used secondary analysis to compare the mental health status and family functioning of postdeployment National Guard members with and without children. Among guard members with children, comparison was made between those who did and did not report behavioral problems in their children. Finally, the study identified how mental health status and deployment experiences (including injury) were jointly and uniquely associated with children's problems. Veterans with children were more likely to be married and older; to endorse more symptoms of depression, interpersonal violence, and anger; and to indicate lower satisfaction with family and social relationships than veterans without children. Veteran parents reporting children's problems had greater mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, and lower satisfaction with family and social relationships. Regression modeling indicated that veterans’ age, reported sleep problems, and mental health issues were independent risk factors for children's problems.

Keywords:

• National Guard
• military
• deployment
• children
• mental health

Acknowledgments

This article is not subject to US copyright law.

This research was supported through a pilot grant from VHA SC-MIRECC and in-kind support from the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) and the Arkansas National Guard. The authors thank Mary Sue Farmer, Kristin Ward, Mary Kate Bartnik, Debbie Hodges, Lakiesha Mitchell, and Penny White.