General psychological distress among Japan Self‐Defense Forces personnel dispatched on United Nations peacekeeping operations and their spouses

AIM: The importance of family care during international deployment is emphasized within military organizations, but mental health interactions between deployed personnel and their spouses have not yet been assessed. This study addressed this gap by examining couples’ mental health throughout a deployment period. METHODS: The mental health of 324 spousal dyads of Japan Self‐Defense Forces personnel dispatched for a half‐year United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission was examined, using longitudinal data derived from a survey at four time points: one‐month pre‐deployment, initial deployment, middle deployment, and immediately after homecoming. The 30‐item General Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate general psychological distress, with high scores (≥7) indicating adverse mental health. RESULTS: The spouses’ general psychological distress was significantly higher compared with the deployed personnel (P < 0.001). The high general psychological distress of personnel was significantly related to that of their spouses (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–3.80), and vice versa (odds ratio = 2.38; 95% confidence interval 1.39–4.08). CONCLUSION: Mental health care will be beneficial for not only deployed personnel but also their spouses.