Brief Summary:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), postconcussive symptoms (e.g., dizziness, sensitivity to noise), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are relatively common among Service members returning from deployment. Using longitudinal data from 2,585 active-duty Soldiers, this study examined the effects of deployment-acquired TBI, postconcussive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms on changes in relationship distress (i.e., marital distress, marital stress, and family stress) over time. Data were collected 1 month before deployment (T0), 1 month postdeployment (T1), and 9 months postdeployment (T3). Overall, postconcussive and PTSD symptoms assessed at T3 were associated with relationship distress after accounting for predeployment TBI, postconcussive and PTSD symptoms assessed at T0, and deployment-acquired TBI assessed at T1.
Summary provided by Military REACH at Auburn University
Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Report:
Created by our partners at Military REACH at Auburn University, TRIP Reports summarize the key findings and implications of this study to provide actionable insights in accessible language for practitioners, policy makers, and families.
Reference:
Knobloch, L. K., & Abendschein, B. (2024). Traumatic brain injury and relationship distress during military deployment and reunion. Family Relations, 73(1), 424–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12849