The submariners' wives syndrome

Summary

The Submariners' Wives Syndrome is described as a depressive reaction occurring among wives of submariners during the latter part of the husband's patrol or shortly after his return. The primary etiologic factor appears to be unacceptable rage over the desertion. The depressive illness and sexual disturbances serve a retaliatory function. A contributing cause of depression is the loss, when the spouse returns, of one or more of the gratifications that the separations provide: resumed dependency upon parent or parental figures, the opportunity to assume masculine or shared responsibilities, and the avoidance of physical and emotional intimacy with the marital partner. It is suggested that the choice of a sailor as a husband may in part be determined by the desire for extensive separations.