Effects of combat deployment on risky and self-destructive behavior among active duty military personnel

Abstract

Rabenhorst, Mandy M.; and Milner, Joel S., "Effects of combat deployment on risky and self-destructive behavior among active duty military personnel" (2011 a b s t r a c tAlthough research has documented negative effects of combat deployment on mental health, few studies have examined whether deployment increases risky or self-destructive behavior. The present study addressed this issue. In addition, we examined whether deployment effects on risky behavior varied depending on history of pre-deployment risky behavior, and assessed whether psychiatric conditions mediated effects of deployment on risky behavior. In an anonymous survey, active duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy (N ¼ 2116) described their deployment experiences and their participation in risky recreational activities, unprotected sex, illegal drug use, self-injurious behavior, and suicide attempts during three time frames (civilian, military pre-deployment, and military postdeployment). Respondents also reported whether they had problems with depression, anxiety, or PTSD during the same three time frames. Results revealed that risky behavior was much more common in civilian than in military life, with personnel who had not deployed, compared to those who had deployed, reporting more risky behavior and more psychiatric problems as civilians. For the current time period, in contrast, personnel who had deployed (versus never deployed) were significantly more likely to report both risky behavior and psychiatric problems. Importantly, deployment was associated with increases in risky behavior only for personnel with a pre-deployment history of engaging in risky behavior. Although psychiatric conditions were associated with higher levels of risky behavior, psychiatric problems did not mediate associations between deployment and risky behavior. Implications for understanding effects of combat deployment on active duty personnel and directions for future research are discussed.Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Risk Factors for Accident Death in the U.S. Army, 2004−2009

“…willingness to drive fast) associated with combat exposure. 27 Examining refined indicators of health risk behaviors (e.g., record of pre-deployment risk taking, type of psychiatric diagnosis) 28,29 and timing of mental health diagnoses relative to deployment would strengthen the ability to target preventive interventions.…”

Risk propensity and health risk behaviors in U.S. army soldiers with and without psychological disturbances across the deployment cycle

“…It is unclear what other factors may influence risk propensity following combat exposure. Likewise, in a recent study, Thomsen et al (2011) found that when surveyed, service members who had deployed reported engaging in more risky behaviors than those who had never deployed.…”

“…These changes in beliefs and behaviors are not a manifestation of any mental illness but may function as a coping mechanism (Bell et al, 2001). Whereas the Thomsen et al (2011) recent cross-sectional study reported changes in behavior from pre-to post-deployment, a longitudinal study will provide stronger evidence to our understanding of the relationships between deployment and adverse health outcomes.…”

A Preliminary Examination of Negative Affect, Emotion Dysregulation, and Risky Behaviors Among Military Veterans in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

“…SUD within military veteran populations is associated with a wide range of negative outcomes, including considerable functional impairment (Erbes, Kaler, Schult, Polusny, & Arbisi, 2011), high rates of co-occurring psychiatric disorders (Carter, Capone, & Eaton Short, 2011), and poor treatment outcomes (Ilgen, McKellar, & Tiet, 2005). Importantly, however, a dearth of research has explored involvement in risky behaviors (e.g., risky sexual behavior, deliberate self-harm) among military veterans with SUD, despite evidence of heightened risky behaviors among both civilian SUD patients (Gratz & Tull, 2010b; Tull, Weiss, Adams, & Gratz, 2012; Weiss, Tull, Viana, Anestis, & Gratz, 2012) and military veterans without SUD (Borders, McAndrew, Quigley, & Chandler, 2012; Thomsen, Stander, McWhorter, Rabenhorst, & Milner, 2011). Further, no studies to date have explored factors that may underlie risky behaviors within this at-risk population.…”