Between September 11th 2001 and 2013, over 2.5 million individuals in the American military have embarked on deployments to combat zones, with a recorded 55 percent of the active service members leaving behind significant others for anywhere between 4 to 24 months at a time (Kees, Nerenberg, Bachrach, & Sommer, 2015). There is very little empirical research focusing on the effect deployment has on spouses; but research thus far demonstrates that deployment has a significant impact on the mental health of spouses (Werner-Wilson et al., 2011). Studies in this review highlight general needs and the specific strains of depression, anxiety and isolation that often occurs for military spouses during deployment (Mansfield et al., 2010; Verdeli, Baily, Vousoura, & Belser, 2011). Relevant drama therapy publications are reviewed on group work with depression, anxiety and isolation resulting in positive “changes in mood and relationships” in older people with dementia, to include an observed increased willingness to interact and an overall brightening (Jennings, 2018, p. 224). This literature review investigates possibilities for using drama therapy to support spouses within the American military community during deployments, and points to future recommendations and research
