ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN RELIEVING THE MOMENTARY ANXIETY OF WIVES OF SOLDIERS DEPLOYED TO CONFLICT-PRONE AREAS

Abstract

The duties of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) in conflict areas often require soldiers to be separated from their families, creating psychological distress, especially for their wives. This study aimed to examine the influence of four forms of social support on the state anxiety of wives of Indonesian Army personnel during their husbands’ deployment. This research used a quantitative method with an inductive approach involving 45 wives of soldiers from Battalion Infantry 711, selected through total sampling. Social support was measured using a scale developed based on Sheldon Cohen and Harry M. Hoberman’s (1983) theory, while anxiety was measured using a scale based on Charles D. Spielberger’s (1972) theory. The findings showed that self-esteem support significantly influenced state anxiety, contributing 13.2%, while appraisal support, tangible support, and belonging support showed no significant effect. The study highlights the importance of strengthening psychological support for military wives during deployment.