Evaluation of the Ministry of Defence Spouse Employment Support Trial
Abstract: This report details the outcomes of an evaluation of the employment support package offered by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to spouses of serving military personnel. The research sought to understand the impact of employment support for military spouses, which is accessed through the the MOD's Spouse Employment Support (SES) Trial. The SES Trial was launched in 2015 in response to the need for increased provision and support for spouses, to optimise their access to employment opportunities that match their skills, knowledge and experience.
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.