Examining partner experiences of returning Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veterans.

摘要

This study investigated the experiences of partners of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veterans. The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between grief in the partners of the veterans and personality change in the combat veterans. A total of 60 participants (54 female, 6 male) completed questionnaires pertaining to their experiences. Findings indicated that partners do report a significant personality change in the veterans t (58) =2.51, p.05. Findings also indicate that there is a significant relationship between personality change and grief reported by the partner of the veteran r (58) =.421, p.001. A number of additional significant findings were revealed through the course of this study. These findings are related to topics of social support, mental health services, dependency, substance use, and relationship conflicts. The findings of this study have important implications for the care of veterans and their families.