Financial hardship, positive financial behaviour, and behavioural health outcomes among U.S. soldiers.

INTRODUCTION

Financial well-being is an ongoing concern among military personnel, and more research is needed to understand the implications of both financial hardship and positive financial behaviours on behavioural health and well-being.

METHODS

Using a sample of active duty U.S. Army personnel (N = 850), the authors estimated the prevalence of self-reported past-year financial hardships and positive financial behaviors and examined the relationship of these factors with behavioural health.

RESULTS

At least one financial hardship was reported by 31% of participants, whereas 74% engaged in at least one positive financial behaviour. Junior enlisted personnel and personnel with lower income, less education, and larger families reported more financial hardship and fewer positive behaviours. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that financial hardship was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, fewer sleep hours, insomnia, and self-rated health, but not alcohol misuse. Following a budget was associated with lower alcohol misuse, but there were no other significant relationships between positive financial behaviors and the outcomes.

DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that financial hardship is a risk factor for behavioural health problems among military personnel. Findings illustrate the need to evaluate existing military financial literacy and support programs and regulations intended to improve financial well-being or prevent poor financial decision-making. Future research should contemplate fine-tuned measurement strategies and the role of individual differences in these relationships of interest.