Relationship difficulties among U.K. military personnel: Impact of sociodemographic, military, and deployment-related factors

Military work, especially operational deployments, may impact the romantic relationships of military personnel. Using a sub-sample (n=7581) of participants from a cohort study of UK military personnel (data collected between 2007 and 2009), the prevalence of relationship difficulties and associations with sociodemographic, military, and deployment-related characteristics was examined. The majority of participants did not report experiencing relationship difficulties. Adjusted regression analyses indicate that childhood adversity, limited support for and from partners, being in unmarried relationships, financial problems, deploying for more than 13 months in three years, and work being above trade, ability and experience, were key factors associated with relationship difficulties. The likelihood of UK military personnel experiencing relationship difficulties is increased due to personal vulnerabilities which may be exacerbated in the military context.