Deployment Stressors, Gender, and Mental Health Outcomes among Gulf War I Veterans

Citation:

Vogt, Dawne S., Anica P. Pless, Lynda A. King, and Daniel W. King. 2005. "Deployment Stressors, Gender, and Mental Health Outcomes among Gulf War I Veterans." Journal of Traumatic Stress 18 (2): 115-127.

Authors: Dawne S. Vogt, Anica P. Pless, Lynda A. King, Daniel W. King

Abstract:

Findings indicate that war-zone exposure has negative implications for the postdeployment adjustment of veterans; however, most studies have relied on limited conceptualizations of war-zone exposure and focused on male samples. In this study, an array of deployment stressors that were content valid for both female and male Gulf War I military personnel was examined to elucidate gender differences in war-zone exposure and identify gender-based differential associations between stressors and mental health outcomes. While women and men were exposed to both mission-related and interpersonal stressors and both stressor categories were associated with mental health outcomes, women reported more interpersonal stressors and these stressors generally had a stronger impact on women's than on men's mental health. Exceptions are described, and implications are discussed. 

Keywords: mental health, female veterans, male veterans

Topics: Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Military Forces & Armed Groups Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2005