The Relationship Between Combat Exposure and Psychosocial Wellbeing Among Deployed Military Personnel: A Review of Empirical Literature

Aim: The study aimed to systematically review empirical literature to examine the relationship between combat exposure and psychosocial well-being among deployed military personnel. Several studies have explored the concepts of combat exposure and psychological well-being. Methods: The study systematically reviewed peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on combat-related mental health outcomes. Despite extensive research, the complex interaction between combat exposure and psychological well-being remains insufficiently understood, necessitating a comprehensive review to inform effective interventions and support systems. The research was founded on the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders theory and stress response theory. A systematic search was conducted using Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and PubMed. The inclusion criteria considered studies with empirical data, focusing on military populations, and published in English. Exclusion criteria included duplicate studies, abstracts-only papers, and studies without a clear focus on combat exposure and psychosocial wellbeing. Results: The findings indicate that combat exposure is a significant risk factor for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Key themes emerging from the review include coping mechanisms and resilience, the impact of combat intensity, the prevalence of psychological disorders, and the effectiveness of intervention and support systems. Combat intensity correlates with higher PTSD rates, while resilience and social support mitigate these effects. Conclusion: The study concludes that combat exposure significantly increases the risk of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among military personnel, with reported prevalence rates varying based on combat intensity and duration. Recommendations: Structured resilience training, mental health screening, and evidence-based therapies should be implemented to enhance military mental health. Future research should explore long-term psychological adaptation among combat veterans across different cultural contexts.