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Deployment stress affects men, women differently

Recent findings indicated associations between deployment stressors and functioning in work and family following military service, with depression playing an important role in female veterans but not males.

“Our study illustrates the complex interplay between specific military exposures, mental health, and subsequent post-deployment well-being between the genders,” Brian Smith, PhD, of Boston University School of Medicine and the National Center for PTSD, said in a press release.

To assess associations between deployment stressors and postmilitary functioning and satisfaction in work and family domains, researchers evaluated 522 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

Structural equation models indicated several direct and indirect pathways between deployment stressors and work and family outcomes among men and women veterans.

PTSD had a significant role in these associations, according to researchers.

Depression was also a significant factor, particularly among women.

“From a clinical perspective, these findings suggest that services aimed at addressing returning veterans’ reintegration into work and family life might pay particular attention to male and female veterans’ experiences while deployed, as well as their current mental health,” Smith said in the release. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.