Beyond the battlefield: Interpersonal predictors of women's mental health during extended partner deployment

Abstract

Abstract Objective The goal was to identify predictors of psychological distress and growth in reservists' wives. Background The prolonged Swords of Iron War has placed an unprecedented burden on Israeli reservists' partners. This study explored their psychological, relational, and functional experiences, focusing on the novel role of external moral injury (institutional betrayal) alongside dyadic and communal factors in shaping women's mental health. Method A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted with 483 Israeli women whose partners had served over 240 days of reserve duty, most in combat roles. We assessed indicators of psychological distress (sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and secondary traumatic stress) and psychological growth (resilience and posttraumatic growth). Predictors included relationship satisfaction, perceived social support, interpersonal, and institutional moral injury. Results More than a year into the conflict, participants reported high levels of psychological distress. Relationship satisfaction and institutional moral injury emerged as the most consistent predictors across all outcomes. Although dyadic satisfaction and communal support were linked to greater psychological growth, institutional betrayal was uniquely associated with increased distress and functional impairment. Military service duration itself did not predict outcomes. Conclusions Women's well‐being during this chronic crisis was shaped by an interconnected ecological system of interpersonal and societal bonds. Findings highlight the need for a policy shift from purely financial compensation toward systematic psychosocial care. Interventions should prioritize strengthening close relationships and community‐based support networks, including short‐term group approaches such as interpersonal psychotherapy and interpersonal counseling. Findings may inform support strategies for women sustaining the home front in other global crisis contexts.