Abstract
Prior research has identified behavioural health outcomes as key sequelae to combat deployment. However, relatively little is known about differential patterns of change in depression or generalised anxiety linked to deployment to a combat zone. In this paper, we add to the existing trajectory literature and examine key predictive factors of behavioural health risk. The primary aim is to leverage growth mixture modelling to ascertain trajectories of psychological distress, operationalised as a coherent construct combining depression and generalised anxiety, and to identify factors that differentiate adaptive and maladaptive patterns of change. Data were collected from a brigade combat team prior to a combat deployment to Afghanistan, during deployment, at immediate re-integration and approximately 2-3 months thereafter. The main outcome was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Three latent trajectories were identified: a low-stable trajectory, a declining trajectory and a rising trajectory. Most individuals aligned with the low-stable trajectory. A conditional model using covariates measured during deployment showed that the low-stable trajectory differed consistently from the remaining trajectories on self-reported loneliness and non-combat deployment stressors. The examination of differential patterns of adaptation, to identify individuals at higher risk, is critical for the efficient targeting of resources. Our findings further indicate that loneliness may be a useful leverage point for clinical and organisational intervention.
Highlights
Prior research has identified behavioural health outcomes as key sequelae to combat deployment
Data were collected from a brigade combat team prior to a combat deployment to Afghanistan, during deployment, at immediate re-integration and approximately 2–3 months thereafter
A conditional model using covariates measured during deployment showed that the low– stable trajectory differed consistently from the remaining trajectories on self-reported loneliness and non-combat deployment stressors
Summary
Prior research has identified behavioural health outcomes as key sequelae to combat deployment. We add to the existing trajectory literature and examine key predictive factors of behavioural health risk. Prior research across a range of military samples has identified depression and generalised anxiety as key behavioural health concerns.[1,2,3] This research has documented important covariates of depression and/or generalised anxiety, including functional impairment,[4] combat exposure,[4,5] non-combat deployment stressors (for example, separation from family)[6] and loneliness.[7]. We are not aware of any differential trajectory studies of generalised anxiety in military personnel, and we have identified only two such studies for depression. The authors reported on four trajectories: (a) a ‘resistant’ trajectory, showing a low–stable pattern across time; (b) a ‘resilient’ trajectory denoting a declining symptom pattern; (c) an ‘increasing (mild)’ trajectory showing rising symptoms over time, but remaining within a mild symptom range; and (d) a ‘chronic-dysfunction’ trajectory showing consistently higher symptomatology across time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
