Researchers have begun to explore factors that might promote better adjustment following exposure to traumatic events, including the extent to which individuals have a strong sense of meaning in their lives. Given that studies have shown the potential benefits of cultivating meaning in alleviating posttraumatic stress reactions, it is important to pinpoint specific aspects of meaning that may better inform individualized trauma-focused treatments. One aspect of meaning that may be particularly relevant to trauma survivors is reflected in perceptions of purpose in life. The current study explored concurrent associations among elements of purpose and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a sample of 423 combat-deployed veterans through the lens of network analysis. We investigated the network structure of purpose and PTSS, as well as which aspects of purpose were negatively associated with PTSS, to identify their connections with resilience and recovery. Most notably, results revealed that having multiple reasons for living and a sense of importance and connection related to everyday pursuits were most strongly linked to lower PTSS. Specific aspects of purpose related to satisfaction and fulfillment were also linked to lower PTSS, though more modestly. Although these findings will need to be confirmed in longitudinal research, they suggest that attending to sense of purpose in veterans and other high-risk populations may facilitate treatment planning in service of fostering greater resiliency to the effects of trauma exposure.

As the Army continues to adapt to evolving mission demands and global threats, those who execute the mission - both soldiers and Department of the Army (DA) civilians - must also adapt to changing occupational demands and requirements. Occupational stress within the military community is a threat to health and wellbeing that impacts not only individual soldiers and civilian personnel, but also units, families, and the broader military community. Hardiness is an operational requirement for military success, spirituality might be a means to positively impact soldier and DA Civilian hardiness. This study sought to understand the relationship between spirituality and hardiness within the Army, which included data collected from U.S. Army soldiers ( = 313) and DA Civilians ( = 276). We hypothesized that increased individual spirituality have a direct relationship with the positive aspects of hardiness and an inverse relationship with the negative aspects of hardiness as defined by the dual process model of hardiness. Employing regression analysis, empirical support was found to support our hypotheses for relationships between spirituality and hardiness variables, with increased spirituality relating to increased positive hardiness and decreased negative hardiness traits. Military leaders can use that knowledge to develop and test targeted interventions that may help to increase positive hardiness and decrease negative hardiness in the Army. Further, Holistic Health and Fitness programming may benefit from improved psychological function by incorporating training that integrates hardiness and spirituality concepts.

Previously deployed mothers report higher levels of posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms than non-deployed mothers. However, the specific stressors encountered during deployment that account for elevated clinical symptoms are not well understood including the impact of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in the context of other deployment-related stressors. This study examined whether MST during deployment, degree of combat exposure, and length of deployment will each be associated with posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms among previously deployed mothers. Participants included 113 mothers (86.6% White) who had previously been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan during the post 9/11 conflicts. Logistic regressions revealed that mothers who experienced MST during deployment were five times more likely to report clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms and two times more likely to report clinically significant depression symptoms. When controlling for MST, degree of combat exposure and length of deployment were not significantly associated with posttraumatic stress or depression symptoms. The present study fills an important gap in the literature and implicates MST as an important correlate of post-deployment functioning for military mothers. Findings from this study can be used to inform both prevention and intervention efforts.

Military veterans who became disabled due to conflict-related trauma face various challenges in finding and maintaining employment in civilian life. This study aims to understand the transition processes of disabled veterans in Turkey into civilian employment, as well as their experiences in maintaining and sustaining employment during this process. A qualitative research design was used in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 amputee veterans. The most commonly reported issues were placement in unsuitable jobs, lack of civilian work experience, differences between military and civilian cultures, and biases. Many veterans struggle to integrate into civilian work life.

Building on emerging literature, a new self-report inventory was developed to assess multiple psychological attributes relevant to adaptability in remote warriors. Literature search backed by surveys of military and psychological experts identified 32 attributes for self-report scale development. Items were sorted reliably into targeted dimensions (67.5% vs. 1.6% random) in support of content validity. Item analysis of responses from 255 U.S. Air Force remote operations Airmen (74.5% sensor operators) narrowed the set to 25 empirically distinct scales demonstrating overall strong internal consistency reliability ( alpha = .83), unidimensionality per scale, convergent and discriminant validity in relations with the NEO Personality Inventory-3 (e.g. Stress Tolerance = -.50 with NEO Neuroticism and  = .00 with NEO Openness), and criterion validity in relations with burnout (e.g., Coping Flexibility  = -.43 with Exhaustion) and psychological distress (e.g., Hardiness  = -.62). Results support the continued development of the measure for advancing understanding of the psychology of remote warfare and engagement in similarly demanding occupations.

United States Air Force remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) aircrew and support personnel perform critical missions in support of military operations around the world. The high value placed on the work of these individuals has resulted in increased workload and heightened risk of adverse psychological health outcomes. The impact of this can be detrimental to the health of the individual as well as the success of the RPA mission. To address these concerns, a combat-to-reconstitution policy was developed to provide additional downtime and recovery to RPA personnel, and recently piloted in some units within the RPA community. A total of 397 RPA personnel, of which 26% ( = 103) indicated their schedule was either internal or external reconstitution, completed an anonymous occupational health assessment sometime between November 2021 and July 2022. Responses included a mixture of both positive and negative experiences during the implementation of reconstitution, along with recommendations for improvements. Certain reconstitution-related sources of stress (e.g. work overload, lack of resources), were found to increase risk of burnout or psychological distress. Overall, this preliminary study provides a foundational landscape for the scientific and operational understanding of reconstitution as an operational intervention to improve recovery.

Veterans in the United States are affected by suicide at higher rates than the general population. This may be due to a higher probability for veterans to use more lethal methods of suicides such as firearms. While veterans often decline to disclose suicidal tendencies to healthcare providers, they show higher connectedness and willingness to heed the advice of peers. Considering this information, it is important to analyze how veteran peers could assist in a suicidal crisis. Veteran responses ( = 1,247) to the Gatekeeper Behavior Scale (GBS) and Firearm Safety Scale (FSS) were analyzed to determine predictive traits of willingness to assist a peer securely store or disable firearms during a suicidal crisis. Results show that veterans are willing to assist in securing firearms to prevent suicide death but are more willing to do so by locking, removing or disabling the firearms than storing them with law enforcement. Older veterans were also more likely to report a willingness to intervene than their younger peers. Of the GBS predictors, only the Likeliness to Help subscale predicted a willingness to intervene with firearm safety. Recommendations for training and interventions that further encourage helping behavior during suicidal episodes are discussed.

Suicide rates in military-affiliated communities remain elevated since the dawn of the Global War on Terror, despite substantial efforts by clinicians and researchers. While some risk factors have been identified, mixed results need to be clarified. The current study builds on previous research by testing a structural equation model of suicide risk associated with combat experiences that by incorporates risk factors with the most empirical support (combat experiences, guilt, PTSD, depression, and the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide [IPTS] factors of Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, Acquired Capability), using improved measures, in a more representative sample of Post-9/11 deployers. The models were evaluated separately for each of two different conceptualizations of guilt (trauma-related and interpersonal) as moderating factors. The results show that higher levels of guilt, whether trauma-related or interpersonal, strengthened the relationship between combat experiences and pathology. In contrast to previous studies, intensity of combat experiences was indirectly linked to suicidality through pathology and the IPTS constructs of Perceived Burdensomeness and Acquired Capability. The most prominent pathway to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in both guilt models traveled from combat experiences through PTSD and Perceived Burdensomeness, providing a clear target for clinical and organizational interventions.

The U.S. military has been met with challenges in manning to meet mission requirements over the past several years. As the number of waivers approved has progressively increased over the last decade, the question of long-term service and performance has emerged. A longitudinal analysis was performed to assess time-in-service outcomes from individuals who received a waiver for a mental health condition while in Basic Military Training (BMT). Population data were retrieved from the Authoritative Data Environment (ADE) and aggregated using Tableau Software. A comparative classification analysis was conducted to determine, within the population of individuals who received waivers for mental health while at Recruit Training Command between 2014 and 2022, those still in active duty who have completed their initial service obligation, and those who separated early from the Navy. Results indicate nearly 93% of 1,356 approved waivers are still actively serving or have completed their initial service contract. While current data show a majority of individuals with approved waivers are still actively serving, the process must continue to be comprehensive in accordance with relevant Department of Defense Instructions. The importance of this research is crucial to the entire military, not just the Navy. It is recommended that each military branch complete a similar longitudinal study that evaluates the continued service engagement of recruits recommended for a waiver and, furthermore, devise a way to track performance, utilization of medical and mental health care, career advancement, and success in a specified branch to determine if guidelines should be adjusted.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) induced by war and conflict can impact the cognitive functions of both traumatized veterans and their spouses. This qualitative study explores the experiences of veterans diagnosed with PTSD and their spouses, focusing on the challenges in their cognitive functions, using a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 42 participants, including 21 veterans and 21 spouses of veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study analyzes their experiences of how PTSD affects their cognitive functions. The transcribed interview data were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 program and a thematic analysis approach. Two main themes emerged: positive thoughts before trauma and negative thoughts after trauma. Within negative post-traumatic thoughts, three themes were identified: Thought content; Thought function; Acceptance and adaptation over time, with a total of 11 sub-themes. These results indicate that PTSD has adverse effects on the cognitive functions of both veterans and their spouses. Notably, these findings align with criterion D of PTSD in DSM-V. Therefore, future studies should not only focus on the cognitive functions of veterans with PTSD but also consider the perspectives and experiences of their spouses. Comprehensive psycho-social services are essential for both veterans and their spouses.

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) is an operational approach in confined spaces gaining increasing significance in urban combat missions. Due to its high psychophysiological demands, the CQB ability is an essential selection criterion for special forces. Until now, there has been no research on predictors of CQB capability. This study examined the influence of the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, resilience, attentional ability, 2D:4D digit ratio, and mindfulness on the CQB performance. The German sample comprised a total of  = 45 individuals ( = 29police special forces; = 16 unspecialized soldiers) who conducted psychometrics and a CQB test consisting of three scenarios. In these scenarios, two independent experts evaluated tactical behavior, weapon handling, gaze behavior, response time, and failures using a standardized behavioral observation instrument based on video recordings (external cameras and mobile eye-tracking). The results revealed that only extraversion predicted the CQB performance (β = -.40,  = .035). However, the mean 2D:4D ratio was strongly associated with gaze behavior ( = .45,  = .007), tactical behavior ( = .41,  = .019), and attentional ability ( = .57,  < .001). Surprisingly, the findings indicate that CQB, as a high-risk and analytical task, is better performed by introverted personnel.

Linkages among psychological health problems, intimate relationship distress, and suicide risk have been widely studied, but less is known about how these factors interact, especially in military populations. With steady increases in suicide rates among active military and post-service members (SMs), it is critical to better understand the relation among known risk factors. The current study addresses this gap by testing a model hypothesizing that the association between intimate-relationship problems and suicidal ideation is mediated by individual mental health symptoms. We tested this model on a sample of 862 active-duty Air Force members in committed relationships. The sample consisted of 35.0% women and 64.8% men, with an average age of 21.9 years and a mean relationship length of 2.8 years. Findings supported the hypothesized statistical mediation model. Results indicated that relationship problems contribute to psychological health problems, which, in turn, are related to suicidal ideation. These findings may help direct suicide intervention and prevention protocols that consider intimate relationship distress as a significant risk factor. Limitations and further implications for policies regarding suicide prevention in the armed forces are discussed.

Military culture is historically rooted in masculine characteristics and ideals. Yet, as of 2016, all occupational specialties in the United States military are open to women and, as such, the number of women that make up the Services is projected to continue rising. The growing presence of women within the military ranks may be at odds with the traditionally masculine military culture, potentially resulting in gender-based stigmatization of female Service members. The current study qualitatively assessed perceived gender stigmatization among newly commissioned male ( = 654, 87%) and female ( = 101, 13%) US Marine Corps officers entering The Basic Course (BOC) at The Basic School (TBS), a six-month secondary training course. A thematic analysis of open-ended survey questions identified that males and females described aspects of gender stigma similarly, with emphases on females' tendency to be viewed as weaker and needing to "prove themselves," and a call for equal physical fitness standards for both genders. There were mixed opinions as to whether gender stigmatization should be acknowledged and addressed or dismissed and ignored. Some participants voiced that bringing gender stigma to the attention of Service members could artificially inflate the magnitude of the issue and increase gender stigmatization that is otherwise negligible or non-existent. The insights offered by the participants of this study can help shape the direction of policies and procedures aimed at increasing equality and opportunities for success for Marine officers of all genders. Ultimately, the goal is to optimize physical and mental health and readiness for all Service members.

Research on spouses' adjustment after military deployment has focused primarily on female spouses of male service members; little is known about how adjustment differs by gender. We used Walsh's family resilience framework to examine communication, belief system, organizational factors, and other stressors, likely associated with postdeployment adjustment. Using Millennium Cohort Family Study data, logistic regressions assessed risk and protective factors on spouses' and service members' time to adjust, exploring whether spouse gender moderated their associations. Findings indicated that the association of (1) spouses' perceptions of their own mental functioning with spouses' and service members' adjustment and (2) spouses' mental readiness for deployment with service members' adjustment both differed by spouse gender, with associations attenuated for male spouses and their service member partners. Other factors associated with family adjustment included the spouse's satisfaction with communication, the extent to which the service member shared deployment experiences, the extent to which the spouse was bothered by deployment experiences, the spouse's participation in postdeployment transition programs, the spouse's informal support during deployment, and length of deployment. Results indicated shared and gender-specific risk and protective factors associated with spouse and service member adjustment, demonstrating the importance of tailored military family support programs addressing the needs of different populations of military spouses.

This study seeks to enhance understanding of mental health trajectories across Navy deployments and the predictors of those trajectories by exploring a range of job design and individual-level factors. Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy were surveyed on pre-deployment, mid-deployment, and post-deployment. At pre-deployment, there were 559 ( = 30.19; male = 75.5%) survey responses,  = 112 survey responses could be linked at all time points (retention rate of 20.04% across all time points), and 314 personnel (56.2%) responded at least twice. Latent class growth analyses and growth mixture models were used to determine the trajectories that best fit the data. Separate models were developed for each of the mental health outcomes studied (i.e. psychological distress, perceived resilience, and perceived stress), plus a latent outcome representing a summary measure of psychological ill-health. This latent outcome, estimated as the most comprehensive assessment approach, was used to evaluate all 33 predictors. Consistent with previous work, we identified between two and four trajectories reflecting resilient/low symptom trajectories and heterogeneous symptom trajectories. There were a greater proportion of personnel in the heterogeneous symptom trajectories than identified in previous research. A key contribution of this work is the thorough comparison and ranking of factors that influence the deployment experience. We emphasize the importance of role demands and resources in determining these trajectories when compared directly to self-regulation strategies. Study findings highlight important implications for job design for military personnel during deployment and underscore the importance of adopting a holistic system approach to well-being.

The objective is to examine the predictors of attrition in male and female candidates undergoing a 10-week early career military training program. 1006 candidates (79.5% male, 24.7 ± 3.2 years) consented to participating in a larger study examining predictors of injury during US Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS). Participants completed a blood draw, demographic and psychological characteristics questionnaires, and two fitness tests. Participants were then grouped based on successful completion of OCS or not. Associations between potential predictors and attrition were analyzed using simple logistic regression analyses, followed by a backward stepwise elimination method. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the accuracy of the attrition prediction model. 260 candidates (25.8%) attritted over the 10-week training, with the highest number of discharges during week 5. Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) was the most common cause of attrition (30%), followed by non-MSKI medical (21.5%), and volitional withdrawals (19.6%). Sex, body mass index (BMI), resilience, initial physical fitness test score, combat fitness test (CFT) score, and prior military service were all significantly associated with attrition from OCS (all  < .05). The final prediction model of attrition included CFT score ( = .027) and resilience ( = .018). Multiple demographic, psychological, and fitness characteristics are associated with attrition from an early career military training course (OCS) and may be utilized as part of early screening procedures to identify and provide guidance for individuals at risk for not completing OCS.

Fluid teams are teams whose members are drawn from various technical domains or organizational divisions and assembled to undertake a critical, time-limited task. Members of these teams are rapidly assembled, have no prior familiarity or experience working together, must begin work immediately to accomplish the task, and then cease to exist following completion. In this article, we elaborate and clarify the construct of fluid teams, examine the challenges of the fluid team context for military team performance, and propose approaches for supporting fluid team performance.

The United States (U.S.) military has focused on increasing service members' (SM) mental and social fitness to bolster resiliency (successful role performance). The Resiliency Model of Role Performance posits that individual assets and social connections account for SM's differential success in meeting military demands and personal obligations. We used a U.S. Air Force (AF) active-duty dataset to test for a direct, positive relationship between cognitive fitness and both formal and informal social connections, and the impact on successful role performance. We also tested for potential moderating influences of formal and informal social connections on role performance among SMs with low vs. high cognitive fitness. Data were collected from a non-probability purposive sample of AF SMs and civilians ( = 59,094) who completed the Support and Resiliency Inventory between November 4, 2011 and January 7, 2014. We focused on the married active-duty subsample ( = 29,387). We employed multivariate hierarchical regression analysis across three models to explore the direct and interactive influence of cognitive and social fitness on resiliency. Controlling for military demographic characteristics, we found a positive linear relationship between cognitive fitness and resiliency and between informal and formal support and resiliency. Informal social support moderated the association between cognitive fitness and resiliency, compensating for resiliency among SMs with lower cognitive fitness. Study findings support current military resilience-building initiatives and underline the importance of prioritizing informal social support in U.S. military settings.

Despite the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) over a decade ago, military processes and policies continue to function as significant structural and institutional barriers to research aimed at optimizing resources for military couples and families with marginalized sexual identities. Such research is essential given the apparent mental health and related disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and those with other marginalized sexual identities (LGB+) active-duty service members (SMs), as well as the absence of appropriately tailored resources to support these members of the military community. In this paper, we review the empirical literature on the experiences and psychological health of LGB+ military couples, revealing severe limitations in our understanding of these diverse military romantic partnerships. We illuminate process-related barriers to conducting this essential research through an illustrative case example. Our review concludes with specific recommendations for reform and advocacy distinguished by coordinated efforts inclusive of all five military branches, policymakers, military leaders, researchers, and LGB+ stakeholders.

Creating a sustainable workplace for Navy personnel is vital for their wellbeing and retention. This qualitative study explores the interplay between job and personal demands, resources, and stress self-regulation strategies affecting psychological strain among Navy personnel during deployment. We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews with 25 Navy personnel (68% male) to determine the demands and resources at sea that affect psychological strain. The findings identified that individual differences in coping strategies (e.g., recovery management), abilities (i.e. ability to make social connections), and their mind-set about deployment (e.g., sense of purpose) were perceived to play a role in the experience of strain. Additionally, the presence of supportive peers and leaders was identified as a key resource, whereas external stressors (e.g., family crisis) and social tension onboard, amplified by confined spaces, were commonly reported demands. Our findings also contribute to a growing body of research suggesting a nuanced interaction between individual coping strategies and job design. Formal organizational support was identified as enabling adaptive self-regulation strategies, while the capacity to form and maintain positive relationships helped foster a sense of belonging, countering isolation. Another key contribution was the individual differences in the appraisal of resources offered by the organization and the potential importance of resource appraisal in how effective resources were perceived to be for addressing shipboard demands. We provide recommendations relating to targets for personnel training, interventions, and leadership in terms of communication, supporting day-to-day and equal opportunity for recovery, resource access, maintaining morale, and shaping the evaluation of demands.

Many military service members and Veterans who experience a psychological need do not seek psychotherapy, which may be due to negative attitudes and stigma toward mental health services. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a general vs. military-specific direct-to-consumer psychotherapy marketing video to address psychotherapy attitudes in a nationwide sample of military service members and Veterans ( = 262). Participants were randomly assigned to watch a general commercial produced by the American Psychological Association (APA Video), a military-specific commercial produced by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA Video), or a control video. After watching the video, they were asked to complete measures assessing public and self-stigma, attitudes, intentions, and preferences for psychotherapy. Consistent with our hypotheses, participants in the direct-to-consumer marketing conditions reported experiencing significantly less self-stigma and more positive attitudes and preferences for psychotherapy after watching their videos, compared to participants in the control condition. Participants who viewed the APA video also reported significantly less public stigma than those in the control condition. Contrary to our hypotheses, the targeted VA video did not outperform the general APA video on any of the dependent variables. These results support the use of direct-to-consumer psychotherapy marketing videos, general or targeted, with military service members and Veterans. Limitations and future directions are discussed.