Military personnel who are and have been deployed to the Middle East experience high levels of emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both active duty and reserve soldiers who have experienced combat have been exposed to high levels of traumatic stress. As a result, many have developed a wide range of mental health issues such as PTSD. “According to researchers, PTSD is a long-term reaction to exposure to a war zone that can last up to minutes, hours, several weeks and for some a lifetime. » Common symptoms include: emotional numbness, anxiety, feelings of guilt and depression. If the disorder becomes chronic, veterans may suffer functional impairment (Friedman, MJ et al., 1994, p. 265). PTSD is one of the most common mental health disorders among veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In general, the younger veterans are, the more likely they are to develop post-traumatic stress disorder while deployed. Issues related to veterans' deployment can have a devastating impact on their relationships back home. “Numerous studies have linked PTSD to family relationship problems (Goff, Crow, Reisberg, & Hamilton, 2006). » PTSD is likely “the” contributor to relationship problems not related to deployments. Spouses or partners of veterans diagnosed with PTSD are at greater risk for hostility and aggression in their relationship than spouses whose veterans have not been diagnosed. To combat this orientation, effective coping skills have been shown to improve adjustment, stress management, and problem solving within a relationship. Family-centered approaches reduce the psychological risk of developing PTSD and harness constructive outcomes. Basic education is a method that...... middle of paper ... of the military has been linked to stress. “[Veterans and their spouses] on average placed more importance on military service in general than on the current mission in Iraq and Afghanistan (Allen, ES et al., 2011, p. 244). » Those who feel less enthusiastic about the military mission are more likely to experience greater stress. Men may be diminished if they achieve higher rank, are financially stable, and are able to balance work and home more effectively. In comparison, spousal stress may be predicted by negative communication outcomes with their significant other. In conclusion, I suggest that psychological researchers review the sampling methods used with veterans because, in my opinion, a significant number of soldiers suffering from PTSD are not known. I also suggest that research is not limited to Caucasians but other groups to include minorities..