WHY DOES MILITARY COMBAT EXPERIENCE ADVERSELY AFFECT MARITAL RELATIONS

Using data on 2,101 Vietnam veterans, we investigate the ways in which combat decreases marital quality and stability. We test three models: (a) Factors that propel men into combat also make them poor marriage material; (b) combat causes problems such as post-traumatic stress symptoms or antisocial behavior that increase marital adversity; and (c) combat intensifies premilitary stress and antisocial behavior that then negatively affect marriages. All three models were supported Combat creates stress and antisocial behavior, but only antisocial behavior has direct effects on marriage; all other effects are indirect.