Stressful Experiences, Coping Strategies and Predictors of Health-related Outcomes Among Wives of Deployed Military Servicemen

Interviews and survey data were used to identify common stressors experienced by military wives and explore whether problem-focused coping strategies (e.g., acceptance, planning, active coping, religion, and using emotional support) or emotion-focused coping strategies (e.g., self-distraction, venting, humor, self-blame, and denial) were better at reducing distress and reduced physical symptoms. Wives perceived control over these stressors were also examined. Problem-focused coping strategies were more successful at reducing distress and physical health symptoms, regardless of wives perceived control over the stressor.