This 10-year longitudinal study will examine individual and broader social environmental influences (e.g., relationship, community and societal) on the health behaviors of reserve soldiers and their partners.

Principal Investigator: Gregory G. Homish, PhD

Co-investigator: Kenneth E. Leonard, PhD and Bonnie Vest, PhD

Funding Agency: National Institutes of Health

Period: 06/2013 - 07/2023

Abstract: This 10-year longitudinal study will examine individual and broader social environmental influences (e.g., relationship, community and societal) on the health and health behaviors of reserve soldiers and their partners.

Using a multi-wave design, reserve soldiers and their partners (N = 400 couples) will be assessed 6 times over 10 years (i.e., Survey 1, Survey 2, Survey 3, Survey 4, Survey 5, Survey 6). We will examine changes in health behaviors over time on the basis of intimate partner, peer and environmental influences.

This study is significant because it will add to our limited knowledge about the social (e.g., partner/peer influences) and environmental (e.g., stress/trauma) risk factors for detrimental health behaviors that are faced by reserve soldiers. The knowledge gained from this conceptually and methodologically rigorous study will enhance the development of effective secondary prevention and intervention strategies to address the complex issues faced by military couples. Understanding the complex relation social environmental influences and family functioning can be helpful for reducing negative outcomes and improving the health of reserve soldiers and their partners.