Coping strategies of Dutch servicemembers after deployment

Loes G M De Kruijff,Marie-Christine J Plat,Peter Van Der Wurff,Olivia R M Moussault,Rigo Hoencamp

doi:10.1186/s40779-019-0199-4

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examines the relationship between coping strategies and symptoms of anxiety or depression among Dutch servicemembers deployed to Afghanistan.MethodsCoping strategies were assessed in 33 battlefield casualties (BCs) and the control group (CTRLs) of 33 uninjured servicemembers from the same combat units using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed, and two clusters of coping strategies were derived, namely, adaptive and maladaptive coping. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the depression and anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Correlations between coping and symptoms of anxiety and between coping and symptoms of depression were calculated, and a logistic regression was performed.ResultsA moderate correlation was observed between maladaptive coping and symptoms of anxiety in the BC group (r = 0.42) and among the CTRLs (r = 0.56). A moderate correlation was observed between maladaptive coping and symptoms of depression in both groups (r = 0.55). The statistical analysis for the total sample (BCs and CTRLs) demonstrated no association between coping and symptoms of anxiety or depression.ConclusionsA correlation but no association was observed between maladaptive coping and mental health disorders in deployed Dutch servicemembers. Further research should focus on constructing cluster profiles of coping strategies and associating them with mental health outcomes and reintegration into society.

Highlights

This study examines the relationship between coping strategies and symptoms of anxiety or depression among Dutch servicemembers deployed to Afghanistan
The number of U.S servicemembers who met the criteria of depression or anxiety disorder increased significantly after Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) [3, 4]
Fifty-eight servicemembers went through a rehabilitation program at the Military Rehabilitation Center Aardenburg (MRC), and 33 (57%) participated in the study

Summary

Introduction

The follow-up of Dutch servicemembers after Operation Task Force Uruzgan (TFU; 2006–2010) showed an increased risk of mental health disorders with a higher risk for those who operated predominantly off-base [5, 6]. Servicemembers who sustain combat-related injuries must cope with physical impairments and other stressors related to their injuries. Such individuals have a greater risk of developing mental health disorders than do their uninjured peers [7,8,9]. Battlefield casualties (BCs) from Operation TFU showed higher levels of depression and anxiety than those of uninjured servicemembers from the same combat units [10]

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Conclusion