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AbstractWhile previous studies have examined the long-term mental health consequences of exposure to traumatic events in the military, few studies have focused on acute stress reactions (ASRs) during the mission itself. The present paper describes the development is a novel peer-based intervention created by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for use in high-stress contexts (known as the Hebrew acronym “YaHaLOM”). Following an overview of diagnostic and clinical considerations, we review the potential frameworks for developing YaHaLOM, detail the five steps of the intervention, describe implementation of YaHaLOMtraining in the IDF, and review examples of YaHaLOMutilization.

AbstractBuilding on research that has identified the negative health impact of cold-weather environments, the present study examines the mental health and health-related behaviors of 585 U.S. soldiers stationed in Alaska. In all, 29.1% reported subjective winter stress. Subjective winter stress was positively correlated with sleep problems, anger, and depression symptoms even after controlling for rank, combat experiences, and corresponding pre-existing symptoms; subjective stress from the extreme cold accounted for health symptoms more than did subjective stress from prolonged darkness. There was no specific association with alcohol misuse. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering individual differences in the subjective perception of harsh climates.

AbstractThis study’s purpose was to validate the noncommissioned officer (NCO) and officer versions of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Leadership Scale (WRAIR-LS). Study 1 assessed psychometric properties and convergent validity. The scale demonstrated adequate reliability and convergent validity with validated leadership scales, as well as significant correlations with measures of unit climate and mental health. Study 2 assessed predictive validity and bidirectional effects with other outcomes. WRAIR-LS predicted unit climate and depression, and organizational support predicted WRAIR-LS. Overall results suggest that while leaders shape unit climate and health of subordinates, unit climate may also shape the perception of leaders.

ABSTRACTThis study characterizes behavioral health and concussion/traumatic brain injury (TBI) return-to-duty (RTD) decisions made by a subset of 47 combat-deployed medical staff (enlisted and officers). Behavioral health decisions were made more often and rated as more difficult than concussion/TBI decisions, despite higher confidence and training levels for behavioral health decisions. In terms of specialization, behavioral health officers reported making behavioral health decisions more often and having better training than medical officers, despite no differences in confidence or difficulty levels between groups for these types of decisions. Results indicate a need for greater understanding of RTD decision-making among enlisted personnel.

ABSTRACTLiving abroad provides both stressors and opportunities for the accompanying spouse. The present study on military spouses examined the relationship between social connectedness and attitudes toward the military as well as their health. Survey data were collected with 115 military spouses in 2 U.S. Army installations in Europe. Linear regressions indicated that greater social connectedness was significantly associated with higher rates of marital satisfaction, lower psychological distress, and fewer physical health symptoms. Results highlight the importance of social connectedness beyond just having community resources available in supporting the adjustment of spouses accompanying soldiers on overseas assignments.

ABSTRACTAlthough the Army community can be a source of support, military families experience stressful changes given the unpredictable nature of military life. The present study used data from 124 service member–spouse dyads to examine how service member symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress are associated with perceived stress in military spouses, taking into account the role of Army integration and community support. Symptoms of anxiety and posttraumatic stress were not associated with perceived stress in the spouse; rather, higher symptoms of depression in the service member were associated with greater levels of stress in the spouse.