U.S. Army Deployment Resilience & Retention: Wave II
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study is to test relevant theory providing results that will support future military behavioral research and provide guidance for interventions to promote mental health and retention. An additional wave of data explored how various personal and organizational factors (e.g., job stress, involvement, commitment, supervisor support) contribute to deployment readiness, mental health and functioning, and ultimately retention. Qualitative data were gathered with supplemental funding to identify the main events, experiences and agents that bring about conflict and disruption in the re-integration of OEF and OIF veterans. Design: Survey methodology was used to gather measures based on the selected theoretical frameworks (reported earlier). Methods: Mixed methods including surveys and qualitative in-depth telephone interviews. Sample: Randomized, stratified sample (component, deployment & parental status) of 829 US Army men and women deployed to OEF and OIF. A subset of 24 respondents volunteered for an additional telephone interview to assess family stressors. Analysis: A multivariate data analysis strategy was utilized to address the specific aims and qualitative analyses were used to describe the family stressors and social network characteristics of the military family participants. Findings: Testing multivariate models revealed that post-deployment mental health is influenced by multiple interactive factors in an individual s military environment, family and social network. The study revealed several models that will be useful for future research into this complex network of factors that enhance or impede psychological recovery from stressful and sometimes traumatic experiences. Implications for Military Nursing: This research is instrumental in understanding the relationships among the psychological, motivational and organizational factors that influence soldier and family well being.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 04, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA608909
Entities
People
- Penny F. Pierce
Organizations
- University of Michigan