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Communication Mediators of the Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction Among Army Soldiers
Author(s) -
Knobloch Leanne K.,
Basinger Erin D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/fare.12447
Subject(s) - mediation , psychology , psychological resilience , stressor , depressive symptoms , clinical psychology , conflict management , military personnel , social psychology , psychiatry , anxiety , social science , sociology , political science , law
Objective We evaluated two fundamental communication processes, self‐disclosure and destructive conflict management strategies, as mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among married U.S. soldiers. Background Identifying the communication behaviors underlying why people with depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship is a high priority for research, and pinpointing relevant mediators is especially important among military personnel who face particular job stressors and relationship challenges. Methods We analyzed cross‐sectional self‐report data from a representative sample of 4,196 married U.S. soldiers who participated in the all‐Army component of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). Results Mediation was apparent such that people's depressive symptoms had indirect associations with their relationship satisfaction through both their self‐disclosure and their reports of their partner's destructive conflict management strategies. In contrast, mediation was not evident for their reports of their own destructive conflict management strategies. Conclusion Less self‐disclosure and more destructive conflict management strategies by a partner may be reasons why soldiers experiencing depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship. Implications Communication skills training for self‐disclosure and conflict management may help break the link between depressive symptoms and relationship dissatisfaction.