A retrospective study of marital discord in pilots: the USAFSAM experience

This exploratory retrospective multi-case study investigates marital discord in USAF pilots as part of an overall concern with mission safety. Seventeen USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) cases involving marital distress were reviewed, using a standardized format. Duration of martial discord ranged from 1-10 years with an average of 2.25 years. The most frequent problem noted was one of communication, with authoritarian or controlling styles predominating. The second most frequent conflict concerned occupational demands; both pilots and spouses complained about frequent work-related separations. Nine of ten distressed outcomes (i.e., separated or divorced) were initiated by the wife. We speculate that a pilot with an inflexible communication style who is not cognizant of his or her spouse's emotional needs is likely to exacerbate marital problems. The notion that marital distress may adversely affect a pilot's attention, generating performance decrements, underscores the importance of investigating elements of marital harmony in the pilot population. Based on our study and review of the literature, we suggest the USAF employ programs that: a) recognize the spouse's contribution to mission safety; b) increase spouse's awareness of mission requirements; c) enhance couple's communication; and d) improve stress management skills.