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.

The effects of vocational services provided to the mentally disabled.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of vocational services provided to mentally disabled clients of the Fresno County Department of Health by the California State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation located in Fresno, California. The findings were (a) 46% were discharged as employed; (b) cost per client was $1,590: (c) cost per success was $3,448; (d) the employed persons entered a variety of competitive jobs; (e) average annual income for persons employed at discharge was $5,539; (f) persons who were employed were less psychiatrically disabled and had a better work history; (g) only 26% of the severely disabled were employed, compared to 50% of the persons who were mildly or moderately disabled; (h) the main benefit of the program appeared to be that of returning less disabled clients with better work histories to work at normative levels shown prior to vocational services; and (i) cost-benefit analysis showed that annual earned income exceeded program cost.