Traumatic brain injury and relationship distress during military deployment and reunion

Objective This study seeks to advance the literature by disentangling effects of deployment-acquired traumatic brain injury (TBI) from comorbid postconcussive symptoms and PTSD on relationship distress. Background Because TBI poses challenges military marriages, understanding predictors distress after is important for helping service members cope with injury. Method Survey data U.S. Army STARRS Pre–Post Deployment Study, collected 2,585 married before a combat deployment Afghanistan, evaluated 9 months homecoming. Results Deployment-acquired corresponded more controlling predeployment health, but its predictive power was eclipsed concurrent symptoms. Concurrent accounted twice as much variance in than Conclusion Targeting treating conditions may be essential supporting marriages TBI. Implications: Military command, policymakers, medical professionals find value broadening support services include resources addressing symptoms,