Comparing Strategies to Help Spouses of Service Members Cope with Deployment

ABSTRACTThis study compared 2 interventions to help military spouses adapt to change during deployment. Participants were randomized into telephone support groups and education webinars. Both interventions provided information on deployment, coping strategies, and resources. Webinar participants showed significantly more improvement than support participants for anxiety; participants in both arms improved significantly in resilience, depression, anxiety, and coping. Participants attributed benefit to support from others and the military; improved self-efficacy including learning coping skills, decreasing stress, and accessing resources; and sharing learning by helping others and the service member. Findings suggest that multiple avenues can help military spouses cope with deployment.