Deployment stressors, mental health outcomes, and protective factors among wives of reserve soldiers during the Israel‐Hamas war: A latent profile analysis approach
Abstract: Deployment to active conflict zones significantly affects military families, with spouses often experiencing heightened stress and mental health challenges. However, research on non‐US military spouses, particularly those of reserve soldiers, who may face unique stressors compared to active‐duty personnel, remains scarce. This study examined perceived stress profiles among Israeli spouses of reserve soldiers during the ongoing Israel‐Hamas War, and their associations with deployment stressors, mental health outcomes, and psychological protective factors. A volunteer sample of Israeli spouses of reserve soldiers (n = 293) responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional study. Using latent profile analysis of the ratings of perceived stress, three distinct profiles were identified: low (35.1%), moderate (43.5%), and high (21.3%). Higher levels of deployment stressors (e.g., fear of spouse getting physically injured) predicted membership in the moderate and high‐stress profiles, while better household management was associated with lower stress profiles. The high‐stress profile reported significantly greater symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the low and moderate stress profiles. In contrast, the low‐stress profile exhibited higher levels of resilience, self‐compassion, and perceived social support. These findings highlight the variability in spouses' stress responses during wartime deployment and identify key factors associated with psychological adjustment. Results suggest that deployment‐related fears, household management abilities, and psychological resources are crucial in shaping stress profiles and mental health outcomes among military spouses.