Prevention of Combat and Operational Stress Reactions in Female Active Duty Service Members: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study is a critical review of the existing literature pertaining to combat and operational stress reactions (COSRs) in female active duty service members. Presented is a description of COSRs, a review of prevention programs, and an examination of gender differences. Utilizing literature from academic journal databases, the researcher reviewed articles demonstrating the content, feasibility, and efficacy of primary and secondary prevention activities. These activities included unit needs assessments, stress inoculation, mindfulness, master resiliency training, anxiety reduction training, psychological first aid, restoration centers, deployment transition centers, debriefings, graphic novels, and the influence of family and leader systemic levels. Females’ unique experiences are narrated from the literature to include motherhood, pregnancy, contraception, menstruation, and “gendered stress.” A discussion of military sexual assault is presented. Suggestions are made for future research to involve development of COSR criteria, screening tools including unique gendered questions, oversampled efficacy studies for females, and studies focused on transgender service members